Who is Ridle Baku? The Germany right-back wanted by Chelsea and Arsenal

Suraj Radia

11 Apr 2023 18:07 BST
2 min read

Ridle Baku for Vfl Wolfsburg — © ProShots

Chelsea and Arsenal are set to battle it out this summer to sign VfL Wolfsburg right-back Ridle Baku according to reports in Germany.

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Baku has impressed for Wolfsburg since joining them from Mainz in 2020 and could leave this summer, with his side sitting outside the European places in the Bundesliga.

The 25-year-old has attracted interest from other teams due to his ability to defend as well as contribute in attack, with Chelsea and Arsenal both intrigued by his versatility as a squad player.

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But just who is Ridle Baku and would he be a worthy signing for a Premier League giant? FootballTransfers takes a look at the man who could be in demand this summer.

What position does Ridle Baku play in?

Baku began his career in midfield but was eventually moved to right-back, where he has excelled since, although he is still capable of playing further forward, either on the flank or in the middle of the park.

How good is Ridle Baku?

Baku has steadily improved during his career, having broken into the team at his boyhood club Mainz in 2018, where he scored twice in his first three Bundesliga appearances including on his debut.

The 5’9 speedster initially featured in midfield and drew comparisons to Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita due to his work-rate, even outclassing the then-RB Leipzig star when they came head to head.

Baku lead Mainz to safety before becoming virtually an ever-present in 2019/20, featuring at right-back before making a €10 million move to Wolfsburg.

He has taken his game to a new level since joining Wolfsburg, showcasing his attacking capabilities from right-back by netting 14 goals in 92 games including five this season.

Baku was named in the Bundesliga team of the season during his first season with Wolfsburg and led the league in sprints, such was the nature of his work rate down the right flank.

He also received the first of four caps for Germany in 2020 and also scored for his country the following year as well as leading the under-21 team to European Championship glory.

What clubs are interested in Ridle Baku?

Chelsea and Arsenal are the latest clubs to be linked with a move for Baku but they are not the only Premier League teams to have had an interest in the German, with Liverpool and Manchester City also having monitored him in the past.

Villarreal and RB Leipzig have also been credited with interest in Baku, while Bayern Munich are seemingly always interested in signing the best German players in the Bundesliga, meaning the right-back would have plenty of options should he wish to leave.