Arsenal eyeing Deadline Day transfer swoop for highly-rated defender

James Shearman

• Updated: 31 Aug 2023 18:34 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are interested in highly-rated Benfica right-back Alexander Bah, according to Danish outlet Tipsbladet.

The Gunners are still in the market for a defender after new signing Jurrien Timber suffered a long-term injury.

They do have plenty of other options already at the club but squad depth is necessary to challenge on all fronts.

READ MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals

Arsenal are looking to go one further in the Premier League, after finishing second to Manchester City last season, and they are also in the Champions League, as well as both domestic cups.

So, Bah could get plenty of game time at the Emirates Stadium, should he sign for a reported €30-35 million.

The 25-year-old's best attributes are his athleticism and delivery from the right flank, given he loves to get forward.

It is unknown whether he would succeed in Arteta's favoured back three, or perhaps the Spaniard's system would change to accommodate the Denmark international.

Arsenal players to leave

Arsenal are willing to let go of five players before the transfer window closes on Friday evening.

According to the Daily Star, the Gunners are keen to sell left-back Nuno Tavares, who has been the subject of interest from Nottingham Forest.

Two other defenders could be on their way out, too: Rob Holding has been linked with Sevilla and Real Mallorca, while Cedric Soares is hardly at the forefront of Mikel Arteta’s plans.

Midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is also surplus to requirements in North London; the Belgium international spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace.

And the future of Nicolas Pepe – once Arsenal’s record signing – has still yet to be resolved, although the winger appears to on the radar of multiple Saudi Pro League clubs.