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Arsenal open talks to sign German star as Arteta looks to secure key signing

By on July 14, 2021

According to reports via the Express, Arsenal have made contact with Paris Saint-Germain to discuss a potential deal for Thilo Kehrer after struggling to agree terms with Brighton for Ben White.

Mikel Arteta is desperately trying to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season and a new centre-back is a priority. David Luiz has left the club following the expiration of his contract while William Saliba is off on loan to Marseille.

So Arsenal need a top class right-sided defender to play alongside Gabriel next season and we’ve been strongly linked with White in recent weeks. Widespread reports have suggested Arsenal are locked in talks with Brighton but are yet to reach a breakthrough.

The Sun says Arsenal are weighing up a third offer worth £48m after seeing two previous bids rejected by the Seagulls but it appears Arteta is also looking for cheaper alternative targets.

The newspaper is citing a report from Foot Mercato that claims Arsenal have made contact with PSG to discuss a potential deal for Kehrer and the French giants may be prepared to let him go this summer if a suitable offer arrives.

Kehrer has struggled to hold down a regular place since joining PSG from Schalke for £33m in 2018 and he’s going to fall further down the pecking order following the arrival of Sergio Ramos.

Cheaper than White?

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract at the Parc des Princes so PSG may decide it’s best to cash-in now rather than risk his value dropping any further next summer when he’d have just 12 months remaining.

There is no indication in the report as to how much PSG may want for Kehrer but you’d expect him to be cheaper than White, so he could be viewed as an attractive alternative by Arsenal.

The German international has a similar profile to the Brighton man as they’re both predominantly centre-backs, but they can also play at right-back or in defensive midfield so his versatility would be very useful.

We’ll have to wait and see how things progress. My gut feeling is White is still the most likely to arrive at Arsenal but Kehrer would be a terrific back-up if we can’t get a deal agreed with Brighton.