Arsenal to rival Manchester United for World Cup winner

If reports from English tabloid Mirror are to be believed, Arsenal are set to rival Manchester United for the signing of Borussia Dortmund defender and World Cup winner Mats Hummels. The report claims that the player is available for £30m despite Jurgen Klopp’s denials and Arsene Wenger is ready to battle Louis Van Gaal for the signature of the German.

Wenger wants to be kept known about Hummels’ availability as he believes that the 25-year-old would seamlessly fit into his side at the Emirates. The German was also linked with La Liga giants Barcelona but after the Catalan club signed Jeremy Mathieu from Valencia, it is believed that manager Luis Enrique now no longer wants the Dortmund star.

Hummels joined Dortmund in 2009 after coming through the ranks at his childhood club Bayern Munich. The center-back has since gone on to establish himself as one of the best young defenders in the World. His latest exploits in the International stage helped the Die Mannschaft to go on and lift the World Cup in Brazil.

Wenger is believed to be a long term admirer of the player and with Thomas Vermaelen’s future in doubts at the Emirates the French manager is keen to sign another center back as he looks to mount a serious title challenge in the coming 2014-15 season. The Independent has also reported that should Bareclona acquire the services of Tiago Ilori on loan, their interest in Hummels is set to die down. This would enable both Manchester United and Arsenal to compete for the defender.

The Guardian however at the end of July clearly cited Klopp who wasn’t even willing to hear offer his star defender, “I can assure everyone that there are no signs that those two players want to leave. Marco and Mats will play for us the next season. What are we talking about today? Mats to Manchester United? For how much? €20m (£15.8m)? With those kind of sums can you forget that straight away.”

Comments

[Rik Shaw]

I don't believe Arsenal are seriously considering this. Who would be third choice? Hummels, Mertesaker, or Koscielny? No, its young Chambers or someone else who will cover the main two- not Hummels.