EXCLUSIVE: Forgotten Arsenal defender Omar Rekik poised for permanent exit

Steve Kay

Updated: 28 Aug 2024 11:16 BST
2 min read

FootballTransfers understands that Omar Rekik is looking to leave Arsenal permanently this summer.

Article continues under the video

The Tunisia international has become something of a forgotten man at the Emirates. Rekik was signed from Hertha BSC in 2021, but his development has not been quite as successful as Arsenal bosses had hoped.

At Hertha, Rekik did not manage to make a single senior appearance and this trend has continued at Arsenal, with the now-22-year-old spending the past two years out on loan.

The centre-back moved to Sparta Rotterdam six months after joining the Gunners before twice linking up with Wigan Athletic and then Servette. However, his stint in Switzerland quickly turned sour, with Servette missing the registration deadline of the Swiss Super League.

As a result, Rekik was not eligible to feature for the Geneva-based outfit and the club opted against exercising their purchase option. He returned to Arsenal earlier this summer and is now looking for a permanent exit.

Current ETV

Omar Rekik

D (CL)

Arsenal U23

Omar Rekik

D (CL)

Arsenal U23

ETV Range

€0.2M - €0.4M

Gunners to sell Rekik

We understand that the feeling is mutual. Arsenal are also looking to cut their losses and sell Rekik.

So far, however, substantial interest has only materialised in the form of loan approaches for the former Man City youngster.

Promoted 2. Bundesliga outfit Jahn Regensburg are looking to bring Rekik back to Germany, while he also has the option of remaining in England with League One side Charlton Athletic.

Arsenal have a good relationship with the latter and were previously in talks over a loan for goalkeeper Karl Hein before LaLiga outfit Real Valladolid hijacked the deal.

Rekik has a year left to run on his current contract, hence Arsenal's desire to secure a permanent transfer. The Gunners are looking to shift deadwood as they continue to sound out the market for potential late reinforcements for the first team.