Medhi Benatia to Arsenal: Juventus quotes price for defender

Medhi Benatia to Arsenal: Arsenal are interested in signing Medhi Benatia, according to various reports from England and Italy.

Arsenal are in fine form this season. The Gunners made a poor start to their campaign, losing both of their opening matches to Manchester City and Chelsea, but have been unbeaten across all competitions since.

However, a string of draws in their last three Premier League games have pushed Arsenal out of the top-4, as Unai Emery’s side finds itself 3 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal’s defence has been a cause of worry, and while the club oversaw a mini-overhaul in the midfield with the signings of Torreira and Guendouzi, Sokratis remained the sole signing among defenders.

This is the reason Arsenal are in the transfer market for a defender this January, and if reports are to be believed, the North-London might as well have found the perfect signing.

Medhi Benatia to Arsenal:

Benatia has not been a regular for Juventus this season and he has admitted that it is impacting his consistency. The defender stated that he will wait for January and see his situation at the club, and will take a decision on his future in the side.

“I struggle to play with no consistency,” Benatia said a few days ago. “I was doing well last season because I was playing on a regular basis.

“Let’s see if Juve and (Massimiliano) Allegri need me. I am here to give my best and that’s what I will do until I’m here. If the mister will need me in the Champions League I will be ready.”

Tuttomercatoweb claims that Arsenal have made first contact with Juventus for the signing of Benatia. It is reported that if the deal takes place, Arsenal will have to pay 15m for the defender, as it is the price at which Juventus have valued the player.

Tuttosports, meanwhile, reported a few days ago that Manchester United are also interested in the signature of the player. Jose Mourinho’s side has been facing a defensive crisis, and recent reports suggested that United are ready to offload Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo for defensive signings.

What next?

There have been claims made in the English media that Laurent Koscielny could be on his way out after being told by Unai Emery that he is not a part of future plans.

In any case, however, Arsenal can be benefitted with the signing of Benatia, who is a proven central defender with experience in one of the biggest clubs in Europe.