Arsenal boss Arteta plans specific transfer with two targets in running for role

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen to add versatility to his squad ahead of the return to Champions League football. The Spaniard specifically wants to sign a defender capable of playing in multiple positions and has already eyed moves for Mohamed Simakan and Devyne Rensch.

Arsenal are back in Europe’s elite club competition for the first time since 2017. Their quest to win the Premier League collapsed in front of their eyes but Arteta is still keen to build on a hugely promising season.

Midfield is the main area the Gunners will look to strengthen. West Ham skipper Declan Rice remains their top target, while Moises Caicedo and Ilkay Gundogan are on their radar.

But he could also make at least one addition in defence. When everyone was fit, Arteta settled on a preferred back four of Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

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However, there was a clear drop-off when Rob Holding had to deputise for the injured Saliba, while Zinchenko also had his fitness issues throughout the campaign. CBS Sports claims Arteta wants to kill two birds with one stone by signing a player capable of playing at full-back and in the middle of defence.

RB Leipzig star Simakan is able to do just that. According to transfermarkt.co.uk, the 23-year-old has played at centre-back 78 times in his career and 34 times at right-back.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Ajax ace Rensch has played fewer games at senior level. The majority of his time in the Ajax first team has been at right-back but he often played in the middle of defence as a youngster coming through the academy, and is also comfortable on his left foot at left-back if required.

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Both Holding and Kieran Tierney have been linked with potential departures from Arsenal this summer. That could leave the Gunners short at the back despite the signing of Jakub Kiwior in January.

France youth international Simakan started his career at Strasbourg before joining Leipzig in 2021. He has four goals and nine assists in his 78 appearances for the Bundesliga side to date.

Rensch made his senior debut for Ajax in November 2020 after coming through the ranks of the Eredivisie club. Both players have experience of playing in the Champions League with their respective clubs, something many of the Arsenal squad cannot yet boast.

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