Arsenal report: Gunners reconsider move for long-term defensive target

Arsenal have long been admirers of Frankfurt's Evan Ndicka, but Gabriel's contract extension has led to a rethink.

Posted Tuesday, October 25, 2022 by fourfourtwo.com

Arsenal are reportedly reconsidering a January move for long-term target Evan Ndicka of Eintracht Frankfurt after handing Gabriel a new contract.

The Gunners centre-back penned an extension to 2027 on Friday after a strong start to the season in which the Brazilian has formed a solid partnership with William Saliba.

And Gabriel's new deal has calmed the need to rush into the mid-season market looking for defensive reinforcements, according to The Express.

Ndicka has been monitored by the north London club for years while rising to prominence in the Bundesliga.

The 23-year-old has also attracted interest from the likes of AC Milan and Juventus, while Arsenal believe they can seal a deal for around £7m, as he's out of contract at the end of the season.

But the Premier League side could now postpone a move for the Frenchman due to the form of their first-choice defenders.

Ndicka has made 17 appearances for Frankfurt this season, including four in the Champions League, and has racked up 156 games for the German club overall since joining from Auxerre in 2018.

But Mikel Arteta will be content with his side's defensive efforts so far in 2022/23; only Newcastle have a better defensive record in the Premier League than the 11 goals conceded by Arsenal in 11 games.

The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw away to Southampton on Sunday, only the second time this season they have dropped points in the league.

But they remain two points clear on top of the standings, ahead of Manchester City.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli; the Gunners are said to have already made contact with the Italy international's camp. The club are also interested in Evan Ndicka in defence, while N'Golo Kante and Federico Valverde are targets, too.

Meanwhile, one man who could be heading for the Emirates Stadium exit door is Gabriel Martinelli: there's been talk of Chelsea making a shock swoop for the winger.

In other news, Aaron Ramsdale says that the Gunners have been motivated to succeed this season by the disappointment of missing out on Champions League qualification last term.