Arsenal have tabled a bid for Dinamo Zagreb defender Josip Sutalo as they look to continue their spending this summer, but face competition from West Ham and several clubs around Europe, it has been reported.
The Gunners have already spent in excess of £200m this summer, bringing Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber to the club.
However, they remain on the hunt for further additions, with Timber viewed as an option at fullback rather than in the heart of defence.
Emirates Stadium, London, UK. 2nd Aug, 2023. Emirates Cup Pre Season Friendly Football, Arsenal versus AS Monaco; Jurrien Timber of Arsenal and Takumi Minamino of AS Monaco Credit: Action Plus Sports/Alamy Live News 2RFCT71 Emirates Stadium, London, UK. 2nd Aug, 2023. Emirates Cup Pre Season Friendly Football, Arsenal versus AS Monaco; Jurrien Timber of Arsenal and Takumi Minamino of AS Monaco Credit: Action Plus Sports/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)
It means that Mikel Arteta’s side, who are hoping to go one better than last season, remain on the hunt for cover for William Saliba, whose back injury proved costly to their title ambitions last season.
Rob Holding, who replaced the Frenchman to begin with, is expected to leave the club this summer should a suitable bid come in, though so far the only offer has been rejected.
That has not stopped the Gunners searching for more cover in central defence though, and one of those that they have lined up is thought to be Josip Sutalo, currently plying his trade for Dinamo Zagreb.
The Premier League sides are not alone, however, in their interest. It is added that all of Fiorentina, Napoli, RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen and Ajax, some of whom have also tabled bids for the star.
No deal will be done quickly though, with the report claiming that Zagreb are keen to keep Sutalo until they know their Champions League fate, which could be sealed as late as August 29th, just three days before the end of the transfer window.