Difference of €16m separates Arsenal after bid for star to cover two roles
Arsenal have made a lowball first offer for versatile Paris Saint-Germain defender Thilo Kehrer, according to a report in France.
The Gunners have a big summer ahead of them as they look to restore their position among the Premier League’s elite. As things stand, they are on course for a midtable finish this season. The only glimmer of optimism has come from their run in the Europa League.
Clearly, they want to finish higher domestically, so reinforcements will be required. They may have to work with a tighter budget if they miss out on European football, though.
Nevertheless, a number of names continue to be linked with Arsenal. The latest to emerge as an option is PSG’s Kehrer, according to Paris Fans.
The 24-year-old has been with PSG since 2018, when he joined from Schalke. He is capable of playing as a right-back or centre-back, but has seemed to fare better in the latter position.
Even so, he may be considering his future after a difficult season in the French capital. His contract only lasts until 2023, so a move away might be on the agenda.
According to the French source, Kehrer has become a target for Arsenal. In fact, the Gunners have apparently tabled a first offer of €9m.
It won’t be enough to get a deal done, as PSG want to recoup around €25m. However, they might be able to find a middle ground.
Since he has lost his form, PSG are willing to get rid of him. But they know he could revive his fortunes, which is why they still want a decent transfer fee.
Kehrer, for his part, is happy in Paris, but a transfer is still seen as “very likely”. That could be to Arsenal or elsewhere.
The Gunners need more depth in defence next season. David Luiz could leave as a free agent in the summer, for example, leaving a gap at centre-back. Then, there have been doubts about the future of Hector Bellerin at right-back.
Kehrer would be able to cover in both roles, so if the price is right, might be a suitable reinforcement.
No surprise if Bellerin leaves
Last month, former Gunners right-back suggested that Bellerin may seriously think about leaving the club this summer – which would pave the way for a replacement to arrive.
“Hector has been there for years,” Sagna told Goal. “He started playing not long after I left, so he has been in the team for like six years.
“And a bit like I felt, he probably feels that he wants to challenge himself because he has been there for a long time.
“It’s nothing to do with the club, nothing to do with winning cups or whatever. At some point if you want to progress, in my mind you need to go somewhere and challenge yourself and start from zero again. This is how I felt.
“Arsenal was my club and is still my beloved club. But after seven years I had the feeling that because I was part of the house, even when I didn’t deserve to play, I would have played.
“It’s quite tricky as a player. Hector’s still young; he still has five good years to play at the top level and he can do it. So, if he left now, I wouldn’t be surprised.”
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