Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori in this transfer window.
Several areas in Mikel Arteta’s squad need plugging if Arsenal are to remain in the mix for the Premier League title.
The most talked about positions for improvement are a new left-back, a central midfielder to replace the likely departure of Thomas Partey and a striker to rival Gabriel Jesus.
When the transfer window first opened, few expected the Gunners to invest in any other positions, but a new centre back could be on the agenda.
Arsenal are reportedly plotting a move for Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato to provide cover at centre-back and left-back.
Despite his age, the 17-year-old has highly impressed Arteta having already captained the Dutch giants and made his first appearance for the senior national side.
While the addition of Hato would have the long-term in mind, the Gunners appear to be after a defender who is entering the prime years of his career.
Arsenal express interest in AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori
According to Football Transfers, Arteta has earmarked Fikayo Tomori as a possible signing as he looks to upgrade his back four in 2024.
It is claimed that Arsenal are ‘monitoring’ his situation in Italy, although talks remain in the early stages.
Alongside the Gunners, European giants Bayern Munich are also eyeing up a pursuit for the former Chelsea centre-back, though Milan are reluctant to sell the 26-year-old.
Chelsea sold Tomori to the Italian giants for £30m in the summer of 2021 following a successful loan spell.
Dubbed as ‘tremendous’ by Ally McCoist, the Englishman has since established himself as an integral part of Stefan Poli’s project, helping them reach the Champions League semi-finals last term.
With Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba forming an unbreakable defensive partnership at the Emirates, the need to sign a centre-back isn’t as pressing, though Arsenal do hold an advantage in their pursuit of the Milan star.
Tomori’s family support Arsenal
If negotiations for the defender do indeed reach the talking stages, Arsenal are boosted by the fact that Tomori’s family support the Gunners, and he has expressed his long-term admiration for Thierry Henry.
Speaking in an interview with One Football in 2023, he said: “Thierry Henry was my idol when I was playing for my Sunday league team,
“I always used to have gloves on, and pull my socks over my knees.”
“If he scored a goal on Saturday, I would make sure to repeat the celebration if I scored on Sunday.”
Arsenal will be hoping he will recreate Henry’s celebration in red and white should he sign for the club.
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