Arsenal are the latest side to join the race to land in-demand Danish centre-half Simon Kjaer, as per reports as Arsene Wenger continues his search for a quality defender. The Turkish league defender has been one of the prime targets for numerous top Premier League sides over the years, and Arsenal’s addition will only add fuel to the fire.
The Fenerbahce man has been one of the best players in the Super Lig since his move from Ligue 1 in 2015, and the non-competitiveness in the league has led many to believe he could be easily lured from the club. But, nothing has materialised up till now and teams would have a go at him yet again this summer.
Arsenal had a nightmarish season in the Premier League last term as they were forced out of the top four for the first time in twenty years, and Arsene Wenger is looking to bounce back with a vengeance next season. Numerous changes are expected in the squad and the need for a solid centre-half has been reiterated by one and many of late; which makes this claim all the more interesting.
Arsenal conceded 44 goals last season, which was the worst defensive record among the top six, and Kjaer’s addition could be the missing piece of the puzzle for them. Since the days of Sol Campbell, Tony Adams and Edu, Arsenal have hardly had defensive leaders who could guard the bay impeccably and were leaders in their state of mind.
This has cost the club big time as they have struggled to win silverwares. Now, with a huge transfer kitty in store, Wenger is expected to do the necessary in the transfer window. The 28-year-old Danish is a cherished target for the manager and if Turkish news outlet TurksVoetbal are to be believed, then the Frenchman has already launched a €12m [£10.5m] raid on the player.
The towering centre-half has scored thrice for Fenerbahce in all competitions last season. His aggressive approach with a huge physical presence would be an advantage for any side. He helped Fenerbahce to finish in the third-place last season, with the side conceding just 32 goals all season.
Alongside the likes of Laurent Koscielny, Shkodran Mustafi and Nacho Monreal, he is expected to flourish brilliantly. Arsenal have already signed FC Schalke’s Sead Kolasinac on a free transfer, which is, by all means, a huge acquisition, given the number of clubs Wenger had to compete with.
And he won’t have it easy for Kjaer either as Serie A giants Inter and Milan are also keeping tabs on him, apart from Premier League clubs like Liverpool and even Brighton.
