Arsenal reportedly enter cut-price race for Manchester United midfield target

Arsenal have joined the race to sign Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria, according to a report from Fussball Transfers.

The Swiss star has been linked with a move to Manchester United in recent weeks, and could be available for as little as £6 million this month.

With Zakaria out of contract in the summer, Monchengladbach are eager to avoid losing such a highly sought after asset on a free transfer, and could instead be forced into a sale before the January transfer window shuts.

That’s where Arsenal enter the picture, with fresh suggestions from Germany that they could look to rival any potential move for United as they prioritise adding another midfielder to their ranks.

Who is Denis Zakaria?

Zakaria started his career with Servette in his home country of Switzerland, but quickly earned a move to Young Boys after just a few months in the senior setup.

From there, the midfielder did enough to secure a £10.8 million switch to Monchengladbach in 2017, and since arriving in Germany he has clocked up nearly 150 first team appearances.

A box-to-box talent with a particular knack for winning and retaining possession, Zakaria is also a regular feature of the Swiss national team, and has amassed 40 caps already, scoring three times in the process.

How likely are Arsenal to seal the deal?

With Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny both currently in Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations, reported interest in Granit Xhaka from Italy, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles currently out on loan at AS Roma, it’s understandable that Arsenal could be on the lookout for midfield reinforcements.

At just £6 million or so - if that is truly Monchengladbach’s asking price - then Zakaria would be a very affordable option with ample pedigree and quality to boot.

The only main stumbling block could be Man United’s interest.

According to Sport1, the Reds have already made an approach for the player, and if the Gunners truly want to challenge for the 25-year-old then they might have to pull their finger out.

What are the fans saying?

The general consensus among many Arsenal fans seems to be that Zakaria would be a good addition to their side.

@koolboy1993 tweeted: “Arsenal need to make this happen”

@kingrdogfifa tweeted: “I think he has major upside. Would be a quality addition in my opinion. Has the physical stature as well to be very, very good”

@arsenaladdic tweeted: “If it happens it is something so special. Arsenal will become a force”.