Arsenal are set for a busy summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad and close the gap between his side and Manchester City.
Arteta is keen to bring in a defensive signing, football.london understands, with Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi one name on the club's shortlist of potential targets. According to Ed Aarons of the Guardian, RB Leipzig star Mohamed Simakan is another name to watch as the Gunners hold a strong interest in the Frenchman.
Writing on Twitter, Aarons said: "Understand that Arsenal are showing strong interest in RB Leipzig's Mohamed Simakan. The 23-year-old defender signed a new contract until 2027 in December."
READ MORE: Who is Mohamed Simakan? The 'next Raphael Varane' Arsenal are linked with in summer transfer
Simakan can operate as a centre-back or a right-back, making him the perfect option to rotate with both William Saliba and Ben White. But considering he penned a new contract with Leipzig just five months ago, the German club are likely to demand a hefty fee for the versatile defender.
The Gunners will want to use a large portion of their summer budget to strengthen their midfield, with West Ham United captain Declan Rice the priority, football.london understands. Rice could cost up to £120 million, according to some reports, an amount that would leave the north Londoners with little funds to sign a defender like Simakan.
This is where Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun could come in. Leipzig have been linked with a move for the Hale End academy graduate in recent times, something Sporting Director Edu should use to drive Simakan's price down, potentially offering a small fee plus Balogun's services in exchange for the Frenchman.
Balogun has enjoyed a stellar 2022/23 campaign on loan at Ligue 1 outfit Reims, netting 16 times in the league - a hugely impressive tally when you consider that he is still just 21 years old. But the young forward has made it no secret of his desire to start week in, week out, something that seems unlikely under Arteta's stewardship given the Spaniard already has Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah at his disposal.
All of this makes a potential swap deal for Simakan make even more sense, a move that would benefit all parties.
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