Latest reports claim that Arsenal are looking to sign Real Betis defender, Aissa Mandi for the upcoming season.
It is understood that Unai Emery admires the 27-year-old highly and wants to bring him in next summer. An immediate arrival is not possible for the Gunners due to a lack of funds.
Arsenal are currently only considering loan moves as quite openly expressed by the manager. Betis would only allow Mandi to leave this January if the North London outfit agrees to pay his £26m release clause.
Arsenal have already seen a loan agreement for Denis Suarez break down in the final moment due to Barcelona’s desire for a buy-back guarantee. Emery is cautioned to repeat the mistake again and then lose out on another one of his transfer targets later.
However, with both Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Laurent Koscielny picking up serious injuries in the Friday FA Cup defeat against Manchester United, the Gunners could use an additional body in the centre-back position.
With Rob Holding ruled out for the remainder of the season and Calum Chambers serving out a loan spell with Fulham, the backline is seriously understaffed.
Mandi is a top defensive figure for his team with 26 appearances made this season. He also has 25 caps for Algeria along with 1 international goal to his name.
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