Mats Hummels wants to join Arsenal in January despite Manchester United holding a long-term interest in the Borussia Dortmund defender, according to reports in the Mirror.
The Gunners are light on centre-back options after failing to replace Thomas Vermaelen, with Nacho Monreal forced to play as a make-shift central defender in recent weeks due to an injury to Laurent Koscielny.
The report states that the Gunners are expected to move for Germany World Cup winner Hummels in January with Borussia Dortmund fearing the centre-back is ready to leave. The defender is valued at £30 million and is also a target for Manchester United but sources in Germany believe the player would prefer a move to the Emirates.
It further states that Wenger is desperate to sign a central defender in the mid-season window, with cheaper options such as Aston Villa’s Ron Vlaar and Celtic’s Virgil Van Dijk also on his radar. The French manager has asked to be kept informed of any developments regarding the 25 year old, who is is currently sidelined by a foot injury.
Dortmund have endured a miserable domestic season so far and slumped to the foot of the Bundesliga table on Saturday. The German international may be forced into looking at other options should Dortmund fail to recover and find themselves likely to miss out on the Champions League next season.
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Should we Buy?
The Germany star is now ranking comfortably as one of the most highly-rated defenders in world football. He is regarded as one of the best defenders in Europe. Standing at 6 ft 3 in the player, is a cultured defender who also loves to carry the ball out of defence and spray beautiful passes. He is a leader and a genuinely classy defender who can assert himself on a game.
He has two Bundesliga titles and the World Cup to his name and knows what it takes to win on the largest stages. Having a player with such know-how could be a boost for Arsenal, who have often been a accused of a lack of belief and confidence when the season comes to its crunch.
With the German contingent of Arsenal’s squad already forming a strong core the defender would likely have no problem in adapting to life in England. His ability would take the Gunners defensive unit to the next level. At £32 million he’s the most pricey option of the lot, but most fans would agree his bang is worth the buck.
Rumour Rater: 4/5
1 – Never going to happen
2 – Unlikely
3 – Could be possible
4 – Likely
5 – Done deal
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