Arsenal Transfer News: Omer Toprak, Simon Kjaer, Jose Fonte Rumours Emerge

Bayer Leverkusen’s Omer Toprak and Simon Kjaer of Fenerbahce are reportedly on Arsenal’s radar, as the club seeks to bolster their options at the back. The Gunners are also said to have made an approach for Southampton captain Jose Fonte.

Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports noted that while Valencia’s Shkodran Mustafi remains the main target for manager Arsene Wenger, there are other names being considered, too.

“Sky sources understand German international Mustafi has agreed to join the Gunners as discussions continue over a fee between the clubs, but Toprak and Kjaer are among the alternatives,” the piece continued.

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Arsenal started the 2016-17 Premier League season with a defeat against Liverpool, with Wenger missing his three best centre-backs. Laurent Koscielny wasn’t deemed fit to play, while Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista are both sidelined with injury problems.

Indeed, the end result was Liverpool’s attack running riot in a 4-3 win, prompting howls of derision from the Emirates Stadium crowd. As noted by Football 365’s Daniel Storey, the game epitomised the frustration felt by the supporters in recent seasons:

With a visit to champions Leicester City to come on Saturday, the Gunners need to improve their options at the base of the team. And with no deal done for Mustafi yet, it’s little surprise to read the club is broadening their search for defensive reinforcements.

Toprak and Kjaer both have similar profiles. Both men are 27 years old, experienced on the biggest stage and have earned reputations as solid defenders in recent seasons.

Toprak has been a key part of Leverkusen’s side during the past couple of campaigns and has developed well under the guidance of manager Roger Schmidt. However, as reported by FourFourTwo’s Alex Chaffer, it seems as though the German side are prepared for his potential departure already:

The Turkey international would immediately enhance Arsenal’s options in defence and potentially push Mertesacker for a starting spot alongside Koscielny in the long term.

While not the most commanding in the air, Toprak spots danger well, is technically proficient and always alert in his defensive duties.

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Kjaer is slightly different and much more aggressive in his actions. The Denmark centre-back has never really lived up to the massive potential he showcased at an early age with Wolfsburg, although he made steady progress in Turkey last season.

Here is a look back at what was a strong term for the Denmark international in the Super Lig:

Fonte is also said to be a target. According to ESPN FC’s Andy Mitten, the Gunners have joined Manchester United in the race for the Portugal international, who is valued at around £10 million. It’s stated that while Arsenal have approached Saints about a possible sale, the player wants to move to Old Trafford.

Squawka Football’s Greg Johnson believes Fonte would be a useful addition for a big club such as United:

The loss to Liverpool and the accompanying defensive horror show looks to have accelerated Arsenal’s search for a defender, with plenty of names linked. Mustafi, as one of the best centre-backs in La Liga, would be the most illustrious purchase, although the higher the calibre of player, the more difficult it is to get a transfer over the line.

While Toprak and Kjaer are combative operators, Fonte may be Arsenal’s best bet for an immediate solution to the team’s defensive woes.

The 32-year-old knows English football, is in excellent form and would be an ideal foil for any youngster alongside him. If he was to give the Gunners a couple of good seasons, it would be well worth the £10 million outlay.