Arsenal chief Edu to enter Man City battle for ‘reliable’ Takehiro Tomiyasu alternative

Ramsdale impressed by Arsenal colleagues in big England win

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Arsenal director Edu is eager to join Manchester City in the race to sign Ajax right-back Noussair Mazraoui, according to reports. The Gunners recently moved to improve their options at right-back with the addition of Takehiro Tomiyasu over the summer, but are reportedly keen on launching another recruitment drive when January rolls around.

Arsenal were the Premier League’s biggest spenders during pre-season, splashing in excess of £150million on a new core of talented young players.

Tomiyasu was one of six summer recruits and has firmly established himself as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice right-back since joining the club from Bologna on deadline day.

The Japan international has played 90 minutes in each of his last six Premier League appearances, with his introduction coinciding with Arsenal’s return to form.

The Gunners are yet to lose a single match with Tomiyasu at right-back, but it seems as though Edu is still looking to provide him with some additional competition for his regular starting spot.

Ajax defender Mazraoui has been identified as a January target by those in command at the Emirates Stadium, according to Eurosport.

JUST IN: Liverpool receive Mohamed Salah gesture from Egypt FA after injuries

The 24-year-old has already chipped in with four goals and three assists in all competitions this season.

He is a key member of Erik ten Hag’s back four that has conceded just twice in the Eredivisie since the beginning of the campaign.

Mazraoui also formed part of the exciting Ajax side that reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019 alongside the likes of Hakim Ziyech and Matthijs de Ligt.

Arsenal are said to be keen on securing Mazraoui’s signature at the turn of the year, while City have also been credited with an interest in bringing him to Manchester.

The Ajax man will be out of contract in the summer as things stand, meaning that he will be able to strike a pre-contract agreement with a non-Dutch club from January.

Mazroaui has recently fuelled speculation over a potential move elsewhere by hiring Mino Raiola as his new agent.

However, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will be able to nip ahead of City and sign the Morocco international ahead of next season.

Gunners director Josh Kroenke recently suggested that a January spending spree could be on the horizon, insisting that plenty of improvements can still be made to Arteta’s squad.

FOLLOW OUR NEW DAILY EXPRESS SPORT INSTAGRAM PAGE

“We had a clear idea of what we needed to do with the squad [over the summer] and there were a lot of areas that needed to be addressed,” Kroenke told Sky Sports earlier this month.

“Were we able to address them all in one window? I don’t think we did or were able to do so, but we made a lot of progress in certain areas.

“I think from the new signings, to the kids that are coming through from Hale End, to the senior players that are setting the tone in the dressing room on a daily basis, that mentality is to go out and compete and leave it all on the pitch.

“That is a quality that can make our fans proud, win, lose or draw.”

Source: Read Full Article