Premier League Rumors: Arsenal Considering Malang Sarr To Beef Up Defensive Side

Arsenal is looking to improve its defensive matrix and it appears one target is Malang Sarr. The Gunners have reportedly held talks with the 21-year-old defender, someone who will become a free agent this summer.

Sarr recently ended his contract with Nice and several teams are pursuing the French player. It was initially mentioned that Arsenal had already tendered an offer to Sarr but unnamed sources confirmed that the Gunners have yet to hand the Under-21 international center-back a formal offer, Goal reported.

Arsenal is exploring options to beef up its defensive side. They already have William Saliba who is due to return after being loaned to Saint-Etienne. Sarr could be a great addition only that the Gunners will need to act fast. There are several clubs also after the French football player, one of which is Torino.

However, Arsenal also needs to check its budget like most clubs. The Gunners have not been spared from the financial crisis that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought in. Arteta admits that he is clueless on the budget he would have to work with this summer.

"You need to improve with quality, quality players in the squad and you need bigger squads to compete in this competition. There's the challenge," Arteta said to Sky Sports via ESPN.

Hence, all Arteta can do right now is go through the motions and finish the season. From there, he can only make decisions on player additions based on the money he has at his disposal. It raises questions as well if Sarr would still be available by that time.

The interest in Sarr comes not long after Konstantinos Mavropanos departed Arsenal to join VfB Stuttgart. He had just completed a previous loan spell in Germany.

Arteta has several targets in mind this summer. Among the names include Danilo Pereira according to another report from ESPN. As for current players, the Gunners have already re-signed David Luiz who agreed to a one-year extension.

The contract of Dani Ceballos was also extended until the end of the season. However, Arteta is reportedly open to keeping Ceballos since he liked what the Spanish player brings to the team.