Arsenal show no signs of slowing down in the transfer market this summer, despite having already spent over £200m on Delcan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
Mikel Arteta is eager to bolster his squad ahead of the new season after his young Gunners side just missed out on the Premier League title to Manchester City, and the Spaniard is focussing on his defence once again.
Indeed, after William Saliba suffered an injury against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League in March, Arsenal looked shaky defensively as Jakub Kiwior and Rob Holding stepped into central defence. As a result, Arsenal are targeting a new centre-back for the team.
According to Italian outlet Firenze Viola, Arsenal are interested in signing Dinamo Zagreb defender Josip Sutalo. The report also suggests that Fulham, Fiorentina, Ajax, RB Leipzig and Napoli are all interested, with Fiorentina reportedly the side pushing for a transfer the hardest.
However, the Gunners would likely be among the favourites for his signature, should they make an official bid. The Croatian side value Sutalo at around £20m, though an auction for the player could drive that price up.
Transfermarkt values Sutalo at £15m, who has five years still remaining on his contract.
Signing Sutalo would, though, be a huge statement of intent for the Gunners, highlighting they are planning on competing on all four fronts in the new campaign, with a squad capable of the pressures and demands.
The 23-year-old has been capped eight times for Croatia during his career, often partnering the Manchester City-bound Josko Gvardiol at centre-back. He played 36 times for Dinamo Zagreb last season, too, including every minute of their Champions League campaign.
Any deal for Sutalo might have to wait, though, with Arsenal concentrating on bringing in Brazilian midfielder Bitello from Gremio, in a deal worth under £10m.
More Arsenal stories
Arsenal transfer news is ramping up this summer, with the Gunners spending £200m early in the window.
The Gunners could be targeting two more Manchester City players, according to reports. Xavi Simons is on the radar and Ivan Fresneda could join, though Arsenal could sell £100m worth of players, too. Romeo Lavia is in the crosshairs – though Liverpool want him, too. Takehiro Tomiyasu is set for an "intriguing switch", while Moises Caicedo looks Chelsea-bound.
Arsenal are believed to want another right-winger, while Gabri Veiga favours Arsenal over Spurs.
‘After Manchester City’s recent form, maybe they’re the underdogs against Manchester United!’ Former Red Devils defender on this weekend’s derby
‘Arteta, Alonso, Emery, me… none of us were physical players – we needed the understanding of the game. That probably helped us move into management’: Premier League boss reveals reasons for natural career progression
