Arsenal transfer target ‘very open’ to £13m summer move from Bundesliga club as bumper contract offer is made

Ridle Baku is ready to leave Bundesliga club Wolfsburg this summer after reports Arsenal were keen on a move for the highly-rated full-back.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is said to be keen to add a right-back to his squad at the end of the season and has been linked with a move for the likes of Real Valladolid youngster Ivan Fresneda and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong in recent weeks.

However, reports in Germany have suggested four-times capped German international Baku is their chosen target as they look to provide competition for Ben White, who has impressed as an emergency right-back throughout what has become an increasingly memorable season at the Emirates Stadium.

Since joining Wolfsburg in a £7m deal from hometown club Mainz in October 2020, the 25-year-old has gone on to make over a century of appearances, scoring an impressive 16 goals and provided 14 assists. With the final two years of his current contract approaching this summer, there has been speculation his time at the Volkswagen Arena could be coming to a close.

Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has given a major update on the defender’s future via his Twitter account, saying: “Been told the 25 y/o right back is very open to leave Wolfsburg in summer! Dream destination: England. He’s on the shortlist of Arsenal confirmed! Interest from Spain as well. Possible price tag: Around €15m! Bundesliga this season: 5 goals/ 1 assist”.

One player that may not be heading to the Emirates Stadium this summer is Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. The in-form frontman has scored ten goals in his last 15 appearances for Unai Emery’s side and there had been reports the Gunners could look to add to their attacking options by making a move for the England striker this summer.

However, Football Insider have claimed Emery has been impressed with Watkins and is ready to offer the former Brentford striker a long-term deal worth around £100,000-a-week.