Arsenal are one of several teams in negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Djibril Sow as he attempts to find a new club outside of Germany, according to one source.
Sow has been on Frankfurt’s books since July 2019, having previously represented FC Zurich, Borussia Monchengladbach and Young Boys in his career. The 26-year-old cost Frankfurt €10million four years ago and has proven to be a clever signing for the Bundesliga team.
Sow has averaged around 37 matches per season while he has been at the Waldstadion. This term, he has made 38 appearances across all competitions, scoring three times.
Despite emerging into an important player for Frankfurt, Sow believes this summer will be the best time for him to move on. He wants to take the next step in his career, potentially by joining a team fighting for domestic or Champions League glory.
According to the Daily Mirror, Arsenal, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest are the main clubs battling to bring the 36-time Switzerland international to England.
Clearly, if Sow wants to leave Frankfurt for a club battling for major honours, then Arsenal or Newcastle would be a better next destination than Forest.
Sky Sport Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has provided an update on the player’s situation. He has confirmed that Sow wants to leave Frankfurt come the end of the season.
His contract expires in June 2024 and there is little chance of a renewal happening. Sow knows that without fresh terms Frankfurt will have to sell him this summer or risk him walking away from the club on a free transfer next year.
Arsenal target holds ‘concrete talks’ over future
Plettenberg reports that Sow and his entourage have held ‘concrete talks’ with teams from England, France and Italy about a transfer. Given Arsenal are one of the main sides pursuing him, it is very likely they have held such talks.
And Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will be delighted to hear about Sow’s price tag. Due to his contract situation, Frankfurt will have to accept a bid worth €15m during the next transfer window. That works out at just £13.1m.
Arsenal have looked into signing expensive midfielders such as Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice of West Ham in recent months. However, they will probably cost in excess of £70m each.
Instead, Arsenal could try and bring in just one of those £70m Premier League stars and land Sow for £13.1m as well. This would save plenty of money for Arteta to improve other positions as well.
Sow might not have Prem experience like Caicedo or Rice. However, he has proven to be a reliable midfielder in the Bundesliga and he should therefore adapt well to playing in England. Plus, he boasts Champions League and Europa League experience, something which will be needed if he is to shine in an Arsenal shirt.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have reportedly begun contract discussions with one of their best young attackers.
