Arsenal have reportedly once again expressed their interest in a transfer for Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the Swiss on numerous occasions in the past and he now appears closer than ever to leaving his current employers.
Zakaria’s contract with Gladbach expires at the end of the current campaign and would be free to negotiate with any foreign clubs in just over a month’s time.
He is sure to not be short of potential suitors having impressed both in the Bundesliga and on the international stage over the past few seasons, and the Gunners appear to be one of those who are at the front of the queue - albeit finances proving somewhat difficult.
Asked if the Gunners were eyeing Zakaria, SportBILD journalist Christian Falk replied: “That is a clear true.
“There has been interest in the past. Zakaria is on the books of almost every top club in Italy, but he wants the Premier League.
“Arsenal could be a club that can’t afford him anymore but are interested.”
The claim of finances being tough for Arsenal to manage is an odd claim considering that Zakaria - who is valued at £24.3m by transfermarkt - would be available on a free transfer in less than half a season.
Meanwhile, according to Salary Sport, the Swiss is only earning £55,000 per week with Monchengladbach at the current time
Should Arsenal elect to pay that amount to the midfielder, it would see him earn less than the likes of Sead Kolasinac, Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares at the Emirates Stadium as per Sportrac.
Whether his wage demands for a new deal elsewhere are higher remains to be seen but it does seem somewhat puzzling that Arsenal would not pursue a deal for Zakaria when their current finances are taken into account.
Since arriving at Gladbach from Young Boys in 2017, the 24-year-old has made 135 appearances in all competitions for the club.
He has started the 2021/22 season in fine form with two goals and an assist in seven Bundesliga appearances.
Should he switch to the Emirates Stadium, he would be competing with the likes of Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Mohamed Elneny for a starting berth in the Gunners’ midfield.
