Arsenal are reportedly in contact with Denis Zakaria after the defensive midfielder opted to leave German club Borussia Monchengladbach.
The 25-year-old has been at Gladbach since July 2017, following a £10.8million switch from Swiss outfit Young Boys. Zakaria has since made 144 appearances, helping Gladbach to finish fifth in 2018-19 and fourth the following campaign.
The star has long been linked with a Premier League move. Reports suggest Arsenal and Liverpool are the most likely suitors, although Newcastle are also hoping to complete a deal.
A switch to England could now take place after the latest statement from Gladbach. It reads: “Denis Zakaria has informed the club of his intention to leave in the summer after five years at Gladbach.”
Zakaria will become a free agent in June. He can sort out a pre-contract agreement with other clubs from January 1 under the Bosman ruling.
That gives Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle a great chance at landing a top star for effectively nothing.
Sport Witness, citing reports Germany, claim Arsenal have been the first team to act. They are apparently ‘in contact’ with Zakaria and his entourage over a switch to the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta is searching for midfield reinforcements, despite the capture of Albert Sambi Lokonga in the summer. His interest in Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz is clear, although Zakaria is now the cheaper alternative.
The Gunners are ‘desperate’ to land Zakaria and will aim to meet his wage demands. He wants a long-term deal worth £80,000 a week, which fits within Arsenal’s budget.
Their highest earner is skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who picks up £250,000 every seven days. Eight of his team-mates take home £100,000 per week or more.
The news means Liverpool will have to act fast if they want to improve Jurgen Klopp’s midfield.
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Meanwhile, former midfielder Luke Chadwick has been speaking about Bukayo Saka’s links with Liverpool.
Ian McGarry of The Transfer Window podcast claims Saka is on Liverpool’s shortlist.
Chadwick told CaughtOffside: “Saka’s an incredible young player and I think he’d be a good fit for any of the top teams.
“He’s got fantastic work ethic, great technique, lovely skill and he’s really athletic.
“I can’t see it (the move to Liverpool) happening, personally. I think Arsenal are building a team around Saka and other young players coming through. It’d be very surprising if he moved to another Premier League club in the next few years.
“They’re trying to build something and with this team now, a few more players and they could really do something. Saka is sort of the poster boy for Arsenal – he’s now a shining light in their team.”
READ MORE: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to pick from three destinations as Arsenal exit nears
The post Arsenal ‘in contact’ with Liverpool target as statement confirms transfer will go ahead appeared first on TEAMtalk.
James Holland
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