‘From Bundesliga’: Journalist claims Gunners will pursue £119k-a-week ‘complete package’ this year – agreement in place already
Arsenal have been linked with Eintracht Frankfurt star Evan Ndicka in recent months.
Back in October, Il Romanista claimed the Gunners had set their sights on the 23-year-old.
Two months later, the same outlet claimed Arsenal had actually agreed a deal to sign Ndicka this coming summer.
It looks as though the latter report was wide of the mark, with the race seemingly still open.
Ndicka’s contract expires in the summer, meaning he can speak to non-German clubs about a pre-contract agreement.
According to Frankfurter Rundschau, Arsenal and Spurs have both been offered the chance to sign the player.
‘Have a look’
Now, Express journalist Ryan Taylor has given his thoughts on Ndicka’s future amid links with the North Londoners.
“I can see why Arsenal would be interested in Ndicka,” he said on his YouTube channel.
“From what I understand he’s expected to stay at Frankfurt until the end of the season
“And the reason why is that his contract will then expire, meaning he will be free to negotiate on a free transfer .
“Effectively he will get more money from his next contract to his next club.
“And I do expect Arsenal to be one of the teams that have a look at landing him.
“Permitting the finances are right and the wage demands are right with Ndicka and his representatives.
“But I don’t expect anything to happen on that front this month unfortunately.”
‘Extremely goal-threatening’
Despite his young age, Ndicka already has over 150 appearances for Frankfurt in all competitions.
Indeed, his efforts helped the club win the Europa League last season.
And this term, Frankfurt are in the Champions League last 16.
Ndicka is talented, has a high ceiling, is physically imposing, and can play at left-back as well as centre-back.
In May, journalist Christopher Michel told Chronicle Live: “For a central defender, Ndicka is extremely goal-threatening.
“He has 10 goals and 9 assists in 135 competitive games. That’s enormous.
“His opening with his left foot is good, he is strong with his header and fast.
“His big weakness is that he sometimes switches off too early and recognises dangerous moments too late.
“But Ndicka brings an exciting complete package. A great defender!”
A good investment for Arsenal?
As per Frankfurter Runschau, Ndicka’s agents want €15million (£13.2million) up front for him to sign.
They also want an additional €7million-a-year salary (around £119,000-a-week) until the summer of 2028.
The report claimed some clubs have withdrawn their interest and “categorically rejected the behavior of Ndicka’s managers.”
However, Arsenal could certainly afford those fees, and with top-quality left-footed centre-backs being in high demand, he may well be worth a shout.
