Arsenal set to hold talks to sign £34m French star

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s fondness for young French stars are well known. The former French Economics Professor has the history of signing young turks on the cheap and mould them into future superstars. Reports from English Media Outlet DAILY EXPRESS claim then the Gunners are believed to have already begun talks to sign Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte in the upcoming January transfer window. The North London side are also reportedly believed to meet Laporte’s astronomical release clause of £32m. Such desperation is understandable from the Premier League giants.

Arsenal have severe defensive issues currently and Wenger has already claimed that he will strengthen in the upcoming transfer window. Besides Per Mertesacker and Laurent Kosceilny, the Gunners don’t have a quality centre back. Meanwhile injuries to Koscielny has forced Calum Chambers and even left back Nacho Monreal in the middle of the defense. Wenger would be willing to get rid of such problems as he aims to launch a silverware winning season after last season’s FA Cup exploits.

Laporte would be a tremendous addition, no doubt for Arsenal. The 20 year old earned envious glances last season for his immaculate displays and has made 53 La Liga appearances and represented France at under-21 level. He might be allowed to leave if the price is right but the basque club are tough to deal with. The 6ft 2in defender also recently signed a contract extension that ties him to Bilbao until 2018. However, collective poor form this season from Bilbao could change the context of a potential transfer.

Arsenal have very few options in the heart of the defense and would now be kicking themselves to let Thomas Vermaelen leave for Barcelona in the summer. Laporte brings with him real quality, but given his age he is extremely expensive. But we have seen clubs paying over the wall like Manchester City paying £32m to Porto for securing the services of Eliaquim Mangala this summer.