According to reports, Arsenal is keenly interested in acquiring the services of RB Leipzig’s defender Mohamed Simakan in a bid to strengthen their defensive line in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Gunners have included Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba in their list of potential targets. Mikel Arteta’s side has recently included Simakan as a potential defensive acquisition.
Fabrizio Romano on Mohamed Simakan:
“I’m able to confirm that Arsenal are following this player. Arsenal have sent their scouts to follow this player multiple times.
Arsenal will sign a new Centre-Back in the summer. This is the expectation.” [Here we go]
— AfcVIP⁴⁹ (@VipArsenal) May 12, 2023
In December, the 23-year-old Frenchman reportedly inked a new contract with Leipzig that will keep him with the club until 2027. Simakan’s versatility as a center-back and right-back could prove to be a valuable asset for the Gunners, especially given Ben White’s similar style of play.
Leipzig’s Simakan has had a commendable 2022/23 season, making a notable impact in the Bundesliga and showcasing his abilities in the UEFA Champions League.
The possible acquisition of Simakan could prove to be a logical move for Arsenal, particularly in light of the setback caused by the injury of their primary centre-back, William Saliba, in March. During the 27 league matches in which Saliba started, the Gunners only conceded 25 goals. However, in the six matches where Rob Holding replaced him in Arteta’s starting line-up, the team shipped 13 goals. The anticipated arrival of a new defender at the end of the current campaign could be attributed to a notable decline in performance, which is believed to be one of the primary reasons behind Arsenal’s sporting director Edu’s decision.
Mohamed Simakan pic.twitter.com/vEQu3yELug
— HG (@BoxMidfield) May 12, 2023
