Arsenal are weighing up a £15 million summer move for Napoli full-back Elseid Hysaj, according to reports.
The 22-year-old, who featured in Albania’s 1-0 opening Euro 2016 loss to Switzerland yesterday, is thought to be one of Europe’s brightest defensive talents.
Arsene Wenger is believed to have been monitoring Hysaj’s progress over the last 12 months, and with the Frenchman looking to strengthen his squad this summer, it now seems he is poised to make an offer for his services.
Hysaj, who primarily is a right-back by trade, can also play on the opposite side of the defensive line – an area which is currently lacking in competition at Arsenal, and Wenger believes the Albanian could solve that problem.
However, with Hector Bellerin on Barcelona’s radar following the departure of Dani Alves to Juventus, Wenger maybe taking into consideration the possibility of losing the Spaniard this summer and wants Hysaj to potentially replace him.
The Napoli full-back is also being eyed up by Barcelona, but it appears that Bellerin is their main defensive target this summer.
It is understood Chelsea and Manchester United are also keen on Hysaj, but without any Champions League football on offer next season, the young defender may turn down offers from these two Premier League clubs.
Ideally, Wenger would love to keep Bellerin and also sign Hysaj from Napoli and have both competing for the right-back role at the Emirates – again an area which currently lacks competition.
Mathieu Debuchy left Arsenal because he got fed up of playing second fiddle to Bellerin, while Callum Chambers, who is likely to be loaned out this summer, couldn’t get a look in last season.
Hysaj would be an ideal signing, with his versatility to play on either side of the defensive flanks killing two birds with one stone for Wenger.
