If ever there was a time to raid Dortmund of their stars, it’s this summer.
Jurgen Klopp is departing the German club at the end of the season and a few players are likely to question their own future at the Westfalenstadion. When an endeared manger leaves a club, certain players follow suit – this happens everywhere in the world of football – and I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened at Dortmund.
A number of players’ futures are already being questioned. Players like Mats Hummels, who is being linked with a move to United. Marco Reus, who has attracted the attentions of Real Madrid and other top European sides. And finally, Ilkay Gundogan, a man who has been tipped to make a move to the Premier League. All I think you will agree are top, top players in their own right.
Looking at the current Arsenal side, some area could do with improving and depth. There has been much talk of a new defensive midfielder coming in this summer, even though Francis Coquelin has impressed in recent months in front of the back four. Morgan Schneiderlin looks the favourite for the position in the heart of the Arsenal midfield, but why not attempt to bring in Gundogan instead?
The German midfielder only has one-year left to run on his contract, and despite being offered a new deal by Dortmund, the 24-year-old appears to be stalling on putting pen to paper. This leaves Dortmund with the predicament of deciding whether to sell him this summer or allow him to leave on a free transfer in 2016 – I know what I would do if he wasn’t keen on staying.
As for Hummels, here’s a guy that I believe would solve our defensive problems once and for all. Per Mertesacker looks to be on his last legs and despite the signing of Gabriel this January, a more accomplished centre-back is needed to compliment the defensive ability of Laurent Koscielny. Hummels, 26, was considering his future at the Westfalenstadion before Klopp’s announcement, and perhaps seeing his manager depart will influence him to do the same. It’s thought he has a price-tag of around £35 million, which is a hefty chunk, but what a player he is. United are keen on him and we should be too.
Finally, we come to Reus – one of Europe’s finest forwards/inside playmakers. As we all know, we have another Theo Walcott saga on our hands – will he sign or finally be sold. If it turns out to be the latter then there’s a gap that needs filling, for me, Reus would be the ideal replacement for the England winger. The German international ticks all the boxes going forward and has time on his side, and alongside the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla, he would be even more devastating. Reus has recently signed a new deal at Dortmund, but contracts don’t mean anything these days and I’m pretty sure Dortmund tied him down for a longer duration for financial reasons more than anything – they know the big teams are interested and will get a monstrous fee for his potential release. He has been linked with a move to Arsenal in the past and with Walcott umming and ahhing over his future, Arsene Wenger consider replacements. It is of course wishful thinking that Reus would come to the Emirates, but anything is possible in football – who would’ve thought we’d see Ozil and Sanchez in an Arsenal shirt.
All three players mentioned will want Champions League football which Dortmund will not be able to offer next season – another incentive for Arsenal to make their move for the dynamic trio this summer.
