Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Reportedly Still Keen on Jean-Philippe Gbamin

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Jean-Philippe Gbamin is still on Arsenal’s radar even though Mainz have downplayed the chances of the centre-back and defensive midfielder leaving the Bundesliga during this summer’s transfer window.

Mainz sporting director Rouven Schroeder told Bild (h/t TalkSport): “Jean-Philippe will stay. Jean-Philippe is not on the market.”

Yet the Gunners remain keen, despite Mainz rejecting a bid of €35 million from another, unnamed English club, according to RMC (h/t Get French Football News).

This isn’t the first time Arsenal have been credited with interest in Gbamin. Back in June, another report from RMC (h/t Get French Football News) said Gbamin was being watched by the Gunners.

The interest is understandable in a 22-year-old capable of playing at the heart of defence and the base of midfield. He’s also risen to prominence as one of many successful graduates from French club RC Lens:

However, signing him won’t be easy since Gbamin is tied to Mainz for the next four years:

Arsenal have also upgraded both centre-back and defensive midfielder already this summer. Lucas Torreira was signed from Sampdoria, and Matteo Guendouzi arrived from FC Lorient to boost options in the holding role.

They will join Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny and Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the logjam in central midfield. Head coach Unai Emery has also spoke with 23-year-old centre-back Calum Chambers about playing as a holding midfielder, according to the player, per Arsenal’s official website (h/t Metro).

Meanwhile, the Gunners also acquired centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund. The Greek international is the only addition to a back line ravaged for much of last season.

Arsenal conceded 51 goals in 38 matches in the Premier League. It’s a number Emery must reduce, but aside from Sokratis, he appears intent to rely on familiar faces at centre-back.

Arsenal have only added one new face to defence so far this summer.Pictobank/Getty Images

It means more chances for Shkodran Mustafi, who has underwhelmed since arriving from Valencia in 2016. Rob Holding, 22, and 20-year-old Konstantinos Mavropanos are the other options.

Emery’s hands are tied somewhat by Laurent Koscielny facing a lengthy recovery from Achilles surgery.

Adding another centre-back would settle a lot of doubts about the weakest position in the Arsenal squad. Gbamin could help, but he’s not a natural central defender and would be joining a squad already reinforced at his primary position.

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