Arsenal are considering an approach to bring Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries to the Premier League, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Gunners join the race
Mikel Arteta has predominantly been fielding Ben White out of position at right-back this season so the boss could do with securing an out-and-out player in that role during the upcoming window.
The Dutch international’s contract at the San Siro isn’t set to expire until 2025, but with Simone Inzaghi’s side currently in the midst of a financial crisis, they could be forced to sell some of their most prized assets at the end of the season.
The Gunners were first credited with an interest in the 26-year-old back in February, joining Manchester United and Chelsea in the race for his signature, but it sounds like Edu could be about to take it a step further to beat his fellow competitors.
The Latest: Arsenal plotting Dumfries move
According to Football Insider, Arsenal are one of several potential suitors that are ‘considering’ making a move for Dumfries ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Arteta is believed to be on the hunt for a natural right-back and has identified the Inter Milan star as someone he’d like to try and entice to the Emirates Stadium.
The Italian outfit are ‘struggling financially’ and therefore could be forced to accept any kind of offer that arrives at their door within the region of £40-50m which is a lot lower than what they were hoping to receive.
The Verdict: Splash the cash
Dumfries has been dubbed ‘deadly’ by reporter Marco Messina and Arsenal should absolutely splash the cash to secure his signature should Inter be willing to part ways with him in the summer.
Indeed, the Dutchman has also been called 'exciting' by other members of the media.
The 6 foot 2 colossus is an attack-minded full-back which is proven by his numbers having recorded 46 assists and scored 29 goals throughout his career (Transfermarkt).
The Rotterdam native also ranks in the 99th percentile for three various statistics, including total number of shots per 90 minutes, which will be an extremely attractive attribute to Arteta.
The Serie A star would bring plenty of versatility having operated in five different positions, including higher up in the midfield and at centre-back, so would be comfortable wherever the boss put him.
Finally, Dumfries has won four major trophies since emerging onto the scene so already has the winning mentality that the rest of the current Gunners squad will be used to, making this a match made in heaven for both parties.