Arsenal lining up transfer for £53m-rated defender Robin Le Normand after impressing Martin Odegaard at Real Sociedad
ARSENAL are lining up a transfer for Real Sociedad star Robin Le Normand after he impressed Martin Odegaard, according to reports.
The duo played together while the Gunners captain was on loan at the Spanish club in the 2019-20 season and he has remained a fan of his ever since.
Reports from Relevo claim that Le Normand has a £53million release clause that Arsenal will have to trigger if they want to sign him.
The centre-back is supposedly happy at Real Sociedad after he penned a new deal that runs until 2026 last summer.
The 26-year-old previously suggested he would be open to spending his whole career at the club.
However, if they fail to secure a spot in next season’s Champions League, then Le Normand could be sold.
Imanol Alguacil’s side currently sit fourth in LaLiga with nine matches to go.
Le Normand has been one of the standout defenders in the division this season, featuring 34 times in all competitions.
He has made his way up the ranks at Real Sociedad after joining from Brest as a teenager.
The Frenchman has also reportedly been contacted by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente about changing his nationality to represent his country, as he is eligible to play for both.
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Arsenal are keen to sign a centre-back this summer as manager Mikel Arteta looks to increase the quality of options in his squad.
William Saliba is currently out with a back problem and is ready to rush back for the title run-in and risk further injury, highlighting the club’s need for more strength in depth.
There is hope that he will be fit enough to play in the potential title-decider against Manchester City next Wednesday.