---
title: "Arsenal: Gunners linked with move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/arsenal-gunners-linked-with-move-for-bayer-leverkusens-jonathan-tah/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Uways Nisar"
section: "Arsenal Football Club"
published: "2020-02-20T07:30:41Z"
modified: "2020-02-20T07:30:41Z"
---

# Arsenal: Gunners linked with move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah

**Arsenal are interested in making a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah, [according to Bild](https://www.bild.de/bild-plus/sport/fussball/fussball/nationalmannschaft-arsenal-london-jagt-einen-jogi-star-68880680,view=conversionToLogin.bild.html).**

The German publication are also claiming the centre-half has a €40m (roughly £33.2m) release clause in the summer, which would make him a cheaper option than Dayot Upamecano, who has a £53m clause [(L’Equipe via The Sun)](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/10052515/arsenal-transfer-upamecano-53m-release-clause-leipzig/). Mikel Arteta already strengthened the heart of his defence in January as he completed the loan signing of Flamengo’s Pablo Mari [(via BBC)](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51293247).

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/THE-BREAKDOWN.png)

A move for the Germany international would be an incredibly underwhelming addition, especially because he proves to be no better than the team’s current centre-halves. In comparison to the likes of [Shkodran Mustafi](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/80921/Show/Shkodran-Mustafi) and [David Luiz](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/27586/Show/David-Luiz), [Tah](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/134946/Show/Jonathan-Tah) averages fewer clearances (3.2), more fouls (1.3) and has been dribbled past a similar number of times (0.4) per league game, as per WhoScored.

Passing proves to be a key aspect of Mikel Arteta’s style of play at the club and in Mustafi and Luiz, he has two players who possess a good passing range. The [duo](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/13/Show/England-Arsenal) average more long passes per league game than the [Leverkusen ace](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/13/Show/England-Arsenal).

It proved pivotal in the recent Premier League game against Newcastle United, where the side was forced to switch play to the flanks due to [congestion in the centre](https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1376154/Live/England-Premier-League-2019-2020-Arsenal-Newcastle-United). [Luiz and Mustafi played eight and seven long balls](https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1376154/LiveStatistics/England-Premier-League-2019-2020-Arsenal-Newcastle-United), respectively, in a 4-0 win, showing how effective they were in moving the ball.

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Verdict.png)

Overall, Tah wouldn’t necessarily be an upgrade on the side’s current options. And with Jamie Carragher [(Sky Sports via The Mirror)](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/jamie-carragher-gives-scathing-verdict-21003127) having voiced his concerns over the current players, it may be unwise to bring in a player who is worse statistically.

With Mari in the fold and Rob Holding getting up to full fitness – as well as the eventual return of Calum Chambers – perhaps Arteta would be wise to focus on other individuals.

***Arsenal fans, do you think Tah would be a good signing? Let us know your thoughts below!***