Report: Arsenal place Premier League defender linked with Tottenham on shortlist

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The Telegraph have claimed that Arsenal have compiled a shortlist of defenders to buy in January following the news that Calum Chambers will be out for the rest of the season – and one of those names is Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake.

Chambers has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, leaving Mikel Arteta with just David Luiz, Sokratis, Rob Holding and Shkodran Mustafi to choose from. The latter, though, is likely to leave The Gunners sooner rather than later.

RedBull Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano and Juventus stopper Daniele Rugani are other names being considered alongside Ake, who has shone at Bournemouth. Still only 24, Ake is regarded as one of the best centre-backs outside the top six.

His excellent, and consistent form for Bournemouth following his move from Chelsea has seen him become Virgil van Dijk’s centre-back partner for the Netherlands national team – when Matthijs de Ligt has been unavailable. The Sun (17 November, page 67) claim Spurs are interested.

TBR’s view – Ake would be a stunning Arsenal signing, and crucial

Not only would it finally see Arsenal bring in a centre-back who is capable of plugging the gap at the back, but the former Chelsea star would also provide cover on the left side of defence – somewhere Arsenal are currently lacking.

Kieran Tierney remains injured and Sead Kolasinac has only just returned to action. Bukayo Saka, an 18-year-old winger, has been filling in. Arsenal would have to pay a lot more than the £20million (Mirror) Bournemouth paid in the summer of 2017.