Arsenal showing transfer interest in France colossus Mohamed Simakan despite new RB Leipzig contract
ARSENAL are reportedly interested in defender Mohamed Simakan – despite the star recently signing a long-term deal.
The Gunners enter the final games of this season with huge injury issues across their backline after William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko were ruled out for the rest of the campaign.
The club are believed to be keen to strengthen defensively during the summer and have been linked to many names, including Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
Tall RB Leipzig defender Simakan is reportedly also on the shortlist.
The Guardian claim that Arsenal have shown “strong interest” in the star.
But the club could have a real fight on their hands to secure Simakan after he signed a five-year deal in December.
The 23-year-old is now contracted to the German side until 2027, putting Leipzig in a strong negotiating position.
Arsenal have had a reputation for spending money wisely under Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu but may need to pay top dollar to land Simakan.
He can play both right-back and centre-back, potentially providing cover across the back four for Arsenal.
The Frenchman has made 21 Bundesliga appearances this season, scoring one and assisting one.
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The Gunners have had to reshuffle the defence in recent weeks due to injuries.
The loss of Saliba in March has proved potentially decisive to their title challenge.
The London club had conceded only 25 times in 27 league matches which Saliba started before letting in 14 goals in the eight games after his injury.