Reports from Italy claim that Arsenal have placed a bid worth €12m for Gremio defender, Walter Kannemann.
Sampdoria were also interested in the centre-half but the Gunners supposedly have beaten them with a higher offer. The report particularly states that Kannemann’s transfer fee could rise if the player manages to hit a few performance benchmarks this season.
Arsenal are desperate to add more strength to their defensive line after finishing yet again outside of the Premier League top four. Unai Emery has to be efficient with his spending since he will be privy to a very limiting transfer budget.
Scouts have reported back to the Spanish boss with high praise for Kannemann. The 28-year-old is regarded as the best defender in all of South America and is simply waiting for a call-up to the European big leagues. He led his side to the Copa Libertadores in 2017 alongside his defensive partner, Pedro Geromel.
Kannemann has won 5 caps for the Argentinian national team and has also won the Copa do Brasil with his current team. The veteran stopper is a winner and has found plenty of success in South America.
The question still widely remains if he will be able to adapt to the Premier League. West Ham United took a leap of faith on Fabian Balbuena last summer, signing him from Corinthians for £8m. Now, he is a starter in Manuel Pellegrini’s side and has been integral to the club’s 10th place finish this term.
If anything, Arsenal fans can hold realistic expectations of signing players like Kannemann, who are not in the European spotlight.
It is highly improbable that Harry Maguire will suddenly pull up in a Gunners jersey, given the financial leverage Emery will be offered this summer.
See Also: Top 10 Arsenal Most Expensive Signings Ever
