Arsenal are interested in signing RB Leizpig star Mohamed Simakan in the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old, who has impressed at both right-back and in the centre of defence this season, has scored three goals and recorded eight assist from 38 appearances.
The Gunners want to bolster their defence during the summer transfer window, football.london understands. Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi is of interest to the north Londoners, with Eintracht Frankfurt's Evan Ndicka also having admirers at Emirates Stadium.
Simakan has previously been likened to his fellow Frenchman Raphael Varane due to their similar physical qualities. His ability to play at right-back and be comfortable in possession will undoubtedly please Mikel Arteta, who needs his players to have a certain skillset to effectively thrive in his system.
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With that said, football.london has rounded up the last reports linking Simakan with a transfer to Arsenal this summer.
'Strong interest'
Arsenal are showing an interest in RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan, according to Ed Aarons of the Guardian. Simakan is the latest defensive target of Arsenal to emerge following reports of the Gunners' interest in Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Bayer Leverkusen star Edmond Tapsoba.
Writing on Twitter, Aarons said: "Understand that Arsenal are showing strong interest in RB Leipzig's Mohamed Simakan."
Man United approach
Arsenal are not the only Premier League in the race to sign Mohamed Simakan with Manchester United also showing interest, according to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna.
United, like Arsenal, are said to have enquired over the French defender with defensive additions expected to arrive at Old Trafford this summer.
Why Arsenal want Simikan
Rob Holding's brief stint in the Arsenal team has highlighted the need for defensive acquisitions to be made and Mikel Arteta may have found the perfect option in RB Leipzig's Mohamed Simakan.
There has been plenty of talk over choosing between a Holding upgrade or a right-back to release Ben White’s versatility, but instead the Leipzig man could bring the best of both worlds.
Read more here
Simakan compared to French legends
Strasbourg’s director of training Francois Keller previously compared Mohamed Simakan to fellow French defender Raphael Varane due to their similar physical qualities, as per l’Equipe. "We quickly realised that we were dealing with a phenomenon", Keller said.
"He tore the place up… I said to myself that we had the new Varane. He was athletic, powerful, assured and calm."
The Bundesliga's official website has even compared him to footballing icon Lillian Thuram due to his 'effortless flexibility'.
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