A spokesperson for a bookmakers firm has claimed that Arsenal have emerged as likely suitors for Barcelona’s Jeremy Mathieu.
An employee at Betstars has claimed that he is likely to arrive at Arsenal this summer, with odds as short as 5/4 for him to complete the move from Barca.
“There’s been a lot of talk about Shkodran Mustafi moving to Arsenal but our odds suggest another defender could also be on his way to the Emirates,” said a BetStars spokesman.
“Arsenal have emerged as the 5/4 frontrunners to sign Jeremy Mathieu from Barcelona and, with the French defender deemed surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp, we wouldn’t be surprised to see this deal go through before the window closes.”
The French defender is believed not to be needed this season, and with the Gunners desperate to bolster their defence, a deal could be struck between the sides.
Mathieu is a versatile player, having been fielded in central midfield, defensive midfield, full-back and centre-half at various stages of his career, and could provide more than just cover for Gabriel and Per Mertesacker’s absense through injury.
They do not rule out the signing of Mustafi also, but surely with the Frenchman coming in there would be no need for the German international, especially with Calum Chambers and Rob Holding looking for action during the season.
Laurent Koscielny will likely be back in action after this weekend, having returned to training on Wednesday, and there would certainly be no need for two central additions before the window closes.
Which option sounds best for us, Mathieu who can bring winning experience as well as versatility to our squad, or a 24 year-old German defender who could form a part of our defence for years to come?