Arsenal are reportedly very interested in signing RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan this summer. The versatile Frenchman has been scouted multiple times by the Gunners this season and could be a player who ticks both boxes of providing cover and competition for Ben White at right-back, as well as providing a more attack-minded, orthodox right-back to the back-line. Mikel Arteta is also believed to be keen to strengthen his defensive options after suffering with a lack of options in the run-in, with injury to William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu’s season-ending injury exposing the position.
Simakan has enjoyed a solid season though has been used somewhat sporadically by manager Marco Rose, in part due to a series of injury niggles. Around half of his appearances have come at right-back, and sometimes even right wing-back, while he has started seven times at centre-back. He has one goal and one assist in the Bundesliga from 15 starts but put up very strong numbers in his seven Champions League appearances, scoring once and laying on three assists.
Although no offer is imminent, Arsenal have strong interest in the Frenchman and are continuing to monitor him closely. In addition to bolstering his back-line, Arteta also wants to sign a new midfielder – with West Ham skipper Declan Rice his top target – as well as adding another attacker to his arsenal of forwards. Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda is a long-time target they tried to sign in January while Southampton’s Tino Livramento is another option.