Arsenal have switched their attention to in-demand Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida, according to De Telegraaf.
The 23-year-old has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Premier League this summer amid interest from Liverpool, Newcastle United, West Ham United, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal are the latest team to express an interest in the highly sought-after defender, who is poised to leave Feyenoord this summer.
The Gunners are keen to reinforce a defence that finished the 2023/24 season as the best rearguard in the Premier League after conceding just 29 goals.
Mikel Arteta was lucky to have key players in his backline fit throughout the season, but Arsenal lacked quality in depth, especially with Jurrien Timber sidelined throughout the season.
Takehiro Tomiyasu was the only recognised cover for Ben White at right-back, but he missed 13 games between December and February with a calf injury.
Tomiyasu can play anywhere across the backline, but Arteta is looking to bolster his options, and Geertruida checks all the boxes for the Gunners.
The Netherlands international can fill in adeptly at right-back and centre-back and was a mainstay at Feyenoord last season.
He came close to joining RB Leipzig in a €32.5 million deal last summer but the move fell through, forcing him to remain with Feyenoord for another season.
However, he could finally earn a high-profile transfer this summer, especially with just one year left on his contract, and he appears destined to play in the Premier League next season.
The Feyenoord skipper notched eight goals and five assists in 34 Eredivisie appearances last season.
He helped his side keep 15 clean sheets and won 61% of his defensive duels, averaging 1.4 tackles, 5.4 ball recoveries, and 1.3 clearances per match.
Feyenoord may be open to a bargain sale this summer to avoid losing him on a free transfer at the end of next season.
However, the Dutch giants could demand a sizeable fee if Geertruida continues his impressive form at the upcoming European Championship in Germany.
Stats from Sofascore.com
