Transfer Centre

Arsenal transfer news: Gunners 'to rival' Liverpool for former Arne Slot defender?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 21 June 2024

Arsenal, PSG to rival Liverpool for former Arne Slot defender?

Arsenal are reportedly contemplating whether to join Liverpool in the race to sign a Feyenoord defender during the summer transfer window.

Arsenal are reportedly preparing to enter the race to secure a deal for Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida.

The Gunners hierarchy and boss Mikel Arteta are interested in strengthening their first-team squad on the back of narrowly missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City.

Reports have indicated that a new centre-forward is at the top of their priority list courtesy of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah failing to impress during 2023-24.

Nevertheless, other areas of the pitch will be targeted with Arsenal also potentially needing to find new options for their backline.

There are already a number of versatile options available to Arteta for that area of the pitch, including the likes of Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

However, it appears that the Spaniard is interested in adding another player with such attributes to his senior ranks.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on May 19, 2024 © Reuters

Arsenal to join Geertruida race

As per The Mirror, Arsenal are ready to rival the likes of Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain for Geertruida, who can play at full-back, centre-back and in defensive-midfield.

The 23-year-old has emerged as one of the finest academy graduates in recent years, contributing 11 goals and 24 assists from his 198 appearances.

One Eredivisie title and two KNVB-Beker trophies have also been won during that time, only enhancing the Netherlands international's stock at De Kuip.

That said, there is an acceptance that this summer could be the time that Geertruida moves elsewhere, a consequence of just one year remaining on his contract.

Arne Slot - the man who got the best out of Geertruida - has also moved to Liverpool, with Feyenoord embarking on a new era under Brian Priske.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coach Luis Enrique before the match on April 24, 2024 © Reuters

PSG provide competition for Geertruida

Slot's links to Feyenoord made Geertruida a natural target, yet it is suggested that PSG are ready to push hard to beat the Premier League sides.

Previous reports have indicated that the player could cost in the region of £32m, a substantial fee for a player who has only competed in Dutch football.

That said, he is part of the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, remaining as an unused substitute for their opening fixture against Poland on Sunday.

No transfer is expected to be finalised until Oranje's participation in Germany has reached a conclusion.