Arsenal Transfer News: Lukas Klostermann Rumours Emerge After Gabriel Injury

Arsenal are reportedly considering moving for RB Leipzig’s Lukas Klostermann as they seek to ease their defensive crisis. 

An injury to Gabriel Paulista in Sunday’s 3-2 friendly win with Manchester City sees him join Per Mertesacker in the treatment room at the Emirates Stadium, with the Premier League set to start again this weekend. According to Bild (h/t Sport Witness) Klostermann is now on the club’s radar.

In addition to the Gunners, north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus and Ajax are also credited with an interest in the 20-year-old, who helped his side to promotion to the Bundesliga last season.

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However, the Arsenal boss is said to be “hot” on the defender, who can play across the back four, and he has advised “the environment of Klostermann” that they’re keen to bring him to the club.

Klostermann is playing as a right-back for Germany at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and has impressed with his composure on the ball and astute reading of the game. Even so, it’d be a big ask for him to come in and solve Arsenal’s defensive problems.

Indeed, as reported by the official Arsenal Twitter feed, Wenger also revealed that star defender Laurent Koscielny is a big doubt for Sunday’s opener against Liverpool:

That would be a huge blow for the Gunners, who will be keen to make a statement in what promises to be a tough first game. Their opening opponents have looked in fine fettle in pre-season, demolishing Barcelona 4-0 at Wembley Stadium in a friendly clash on Saturday.

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Assembling a defence to cope with the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Divock Origi and Sadio Mane will be a tough ask for Wenger, even if Koscielny is fit to play. Calum Chambers’ progress has stalled since he arrived at the club in July 2014, while Nacho Monreal, who has played at centre-back previously, is much more comfortable on the left.

It may mean 20-year-old Rob Holding is given an early Premier League debut following his summer move. He’s turned in some encouraging pre-season showings, while these numbers from WhoScored.com are also impressive:

But for a young player—whether that be Klostermann or Holding—it’s a far-from-ideal scenario for Arsenal. Sides who challenge for the title typically have great depth at centre-back, and although the club have been unlucky with injuries lately, it’s a familiar tale for Arsenal fans.

Klostermann may well be a savvy acquisition with the long term in mind, but he’s not quite ready to be a starter in the Premier League yet. Upon returning from the Olympics, a season in the Bundesliga would be beneficial to his development and a key learning curve.

Arsenal need experience in this area of the field, not a young player new to English football's cut-throat top flight. Wenger will seek to address this issue immediately, but getting a centre-back in who can make a swift impact with the season so close is an almighty challenge.