Arsenal are expected to make wholesale changes to their roster in this summer transfer window. Mikel Arteta is eager to add strength in depth as he wants the Gunners to challenge for the Premier League title next season.
Apart from attacking reinforcements, Arsenal were reportedly interested in AS Roma centre-back Evan Ndicka. The North Londoners had already made initial enquiries about the highly-rated defender.
However, as per reports via Corriere dello Sport, Arsenal have suffered a major blow as the 25-year-old is all set to stay at Roma at least for another season.
He is reportedly among a list of players who are immovable for the Giallorossi. Mile Svilar, Gianluca Mancini, Manu Kone, Niccolo Pisilli, Angelino, Paulo Dybala and Matias Soule are the other players in the list.
Ndicka joined Roma in 2023 on a free transfer after his decent exploits with Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt. He instantly became a hit among the fans with his exceptional defensive performances throughout the season.
Therefore, he became a key figure for Roma under Claudio Ranieri. His exceptional performances meant that Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United were also interested in the Ivory Coast international.
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What did Ndicka say about the transfer rumours?
Ndicka, in a recent interview with French outlet L’Equipe, shared that he is unfazed by the transfer rumours and is committed to AS Roma.
“I’m not pretending that I don’t see the rumours, “Ndicka told the French publication last month. But I have respect in Rome and I respect them. I have three years remaining on my contract, we will see what happens later.”
While attacking reinforcements remain a priority, Arteta is also keen to sign another centre-back to provide competition and depth for Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.
Interestingly, Ndicka has been extremely reliable for Roma as he scripted history when he featured in all 38 matches in Serie A, without getting replaced even once. He played the entirety of 3420 minutes in the recently concluded campaign.
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