Arsenal’s pursuit of defensive reinforcements has led them to closely monitor Croatian defender Josip Sutalo, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.
As the Gunners aim to compete with Manchester City for the top spot in the Premier League, scouting potential signings has become a priority for the North London club.
Sutalo has plied his trade exclusively in Croatia for Dinamo Zagreb throughout his career. However, it is widely expected that the talented defender will eventually seek to test himself in one of Europe’s top-five leagues.
Recent reports from the Evening Standard have revealed Arsenal’s interest in securing Sutalo’s services. However, formal negotiations have yet to take place between the two parties.
Mikel Arteta has predominantly relied on Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba as his first-choice defensive partnership this season. However, with Saliba sidelined due to injury in recent weeks, Arsenal have struggled to maintain defensive stability. As the title slipped away from their grasp following a disheartening defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion, Arsenal now find themselves four points adrift of Manchester City, having played an additional game.
While strengthening their defensive depth has become crucial for Arsenal, it may not have been the primary area of focus earlier in the season. The drop in performance following Saliba’s injury has likely influenced a shift in the club’s transfer priorities.
According to Galetti, Arsenal are among several clubs closely monitoring Sutalo ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window. The journalist revealed that the player could be available for a fee of around £17 million. However, fierce competition is expected, with Fiorentina, RB Leipzig, Fulham, Wolfsburg, and Manchester United also expressing interest in the talented defender.
Reports from Croatia suggest that Sutalo is keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium. While Rob Holding has filled in admirably during Saliba’s absence, the English defender has endured a mixed season, ranking 16th in the Arsenal squad based on Sofascore’s rating system, with a Premier League score of 6.68. In contrast, Sutalo has garnered a rating of 7.15 throughout the season, indicating that he could serve as an upgrade to Holding as a backup defender.
Securing Sutalo’s signature for a fee of £17 million would represent a smart acquisition for Arsenal, bolstering their defensive options and providing much-needed depth. As the summer transfer window approaches, the Gunners will be determined to strengthen their squad and mount a stronger title challenge in the coming season.
