Axel Disasi has been in sensational form for Reims this season (Getty Images)
According to Daily Mail, Arsenal are in talks to sign £15m-rated Reims defender Alex Disasi on a five-year deal in the summer.
Disasi, 21, joined Stade Reims from Paris FC in the summer of 2017. His contract comes to an end in the next summer. He has been a consistent performer this season after seeing limited opportunities in his first two campaigns. The 21-year-old has featured in 52 games overall for Reims till date.
The youngster has grown into a key part of Reims’ defence which has conceded just 21 goals in 28 Ligue 1 games this season. This is the second-best defensive record in Europe’s top five leagues, behind Real Madrid (20).
Meanwhile, Arsenal have faced a lot of issues at the back since Laurent Koscielny left to France last summer. They have already conceded 36 goals so far. The Gunners’ backline has been extremely vulnerable, especially in the first half of the campaign.
Summer signing David Luiz has been error-prone and has cost the Gunners a lot, which was evident in the 2-2 draw against Chelsea in January. Other regular centre-backs in Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis have not been at their best either.
Rob Holding was injured for the majority of the campaign. Calum Chambers, who looked decent, was also forced out of action with a season-ending knee injury.
However, Arsenal brought in Pablo Mari on loan in the winter window. But the Spaniard didn’t get enough chances to show his skills before the league got suspended.
A lack of depth in the centre-back spot has forced the Gunners to stick with Luiz, Mustafi and Sokratis. However, they have an option in William Saliba, who was signed last summer and immediately sent on loan to St. Etienne, for the next campaign.
But the Gunners boss Mikel Arteta should look to bring in reinforcements in the form of youngsters for the future of the club.
Having proved his worth for the club and the French U20 side, Disasi seems to be a perfect fit for the North Londoners. He has featured in 27 league games this term and has contributed with 1 goal so far.
Moreover, with Arsenal’s centre-back pair of Luiz and Sokratis well into their thirties, the French youngster would be a suitable replacement once the duo steps down.
With Sailba set to join, bringing in Disasi would also be a huge boost to the squad if they are to improve their defensive record next season. Though he may not be experienced, he has the ability to become a better defender and has the potential to a crucial member of the squad in the future, if he carries his current form forward.
