TBR View: Arsenal have simply got to join Tottenham in race for German rock

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It is no secret that Arsenal are likely to be after a central defender when the summer window opens for business. Shkodran Mustafi, David Luiz and Sokratis have all come under criticism this season.

Yes, The Gunners are expect to welcome William Saliba back from St. Etienne but he is unproven in English football – and is just 19. Calum Chambers remains injured, while Pablo Mari is yet to agree a permanent deal from Flamengo.

Mikel Arteta is likely to enter the window for a new defender, with Dayot Upamecano strongly linked. But another Bundesliga defender could provide the north Londoners with the answer – for a much smaller price.

Germany international Robin Koch, 23, has been impressing for Freiburg this season. Indeed, he has missed just one of Freiburg’s 25 Bundesliga matches – helping his side surpass expectation by sitting in eighth in the Bundesliga.

Italian outlet Area Napoli has claimed that Tottenham are interested in signing Koch, but face competition from Borussia Dortmund and Napoli – with Spurs likely to be on the lookout for a replacement for Jan Vertonghen.

The report claims interested parties can sign the former Kaiserslauten star for just £18.5million, and Arsenal have simply got to bring the German star to The Emirates – and not only for his stunning form at centre-back.

Koch’s technically-gifted style of play at centre-back allows him to do a job at the base of the midfield, too. With The Gunners short of options in the middle of the park too, having a player that can help out in both areas of the pitch would be an asset.

Koch can certainly do that. Add that he is available for a bargain fee, has the majority of his career ahead of him and plenty of resale value, as well as the added boost of beating Tottenham to his signature – Koch would be a top signing.