Arsenal’s search for a central defender intensifies as they reportedly are in touch with OGC Nice’s Malang Sarr, whose contract with the French side concluded in the summer.
Coming out of Nice’s academy, Malang has made 102 league apperances in France. He was handed his league debut in 2016 and has gone out to become a star at Allinaz Rivera.
He is a versatile player who can play at left back, centre back and defensive midfield position. In 19 appearances in the league this year he has averaged almost four accurate long balls along with a pass accuracy of 90% per 90. He has completed 3 defensive actions and cleared the 1.5 times per game too.
The Frenchman is out of contract and has refused to sign an extension with Arsenal and RB Leipzig sniffing around the young defender.
Mikel Arteta is looking to bolster his defense after the Gunners have let in 44 goals this campaign and this has forced him to look for a new partner for William Saliba after Shkodran Mustafi, David Luiz and Sokratis have failed in the centre of defence this campaign.
Arsenal have already confirmed the permanent signing of Pablo Mari in the forced break due to COVID-19 and they opted to extend David Luiz’s contract which means the North-London team will have eight centre-backs going into next season and pursuit for Sarr could be an indication that they might looking to sell some of the current players.
