Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels is currently being kept under close eye by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. Hummels would be a direct replacement for Thomas Vermaelen, who is set to join either Manchester United or Barcelona, according to the Express.
The Express claims Wenger is willing to continue the side’s current spending this transfer window to secure the signature of Mats Hummels, who was a vital part of the German World Cup-winning team and was named on the 10-man shortlist for player of the tournament.
Wenger is also hoping to pull on the German links that he already has at the club, with fellow World Cup winners Lucas Podolski, Per Mertersaker and Mesut Ozil currently playing for the Gunners. It is likely that this deal would only go ahead if Vermaelen joins Premier League rivals Manchester United, with reported interest in the player from Louis Van Gaal.
Wenger claimed earlier in the week that “There could still be one signing, maximum of two.” This has given Arsenal fans confidence that they are set to sign Hummels, but Manchester United, who are also reportedly in for Vermaelen, are the hot favorites to sign the German center-back and have been put at 7/4 by Sky Bet.
Hummels has made 227 appearances in all competitions for Borussia Dortmund, scoring an impressive 20 goals in the process. He was a prodigy of Bayern Munich’s famous youth development system, but was never truly given a chance in the first team, making just two appearances for the side before being sold to Borussia Dortmund for just €4million - a steal for a player who developed into a top quality center-back.
He has gone on to win two Bundesliga titles, one DFB-Pokal trophy and one DFL-Supercup in his five years at the club, having signed back in 2009. He has often won praise from pundits, players and former coaches alike for his great quality in tackling, positioning and his composure on the ball, which has led to Hummels being tipped as one of the best defenders in Germany and Europe.
It is expected that if Hummels is to leave Borussia Dortmund, which manager Jurgen Klopp claims will not happen, he will cost at least €20million. This means that Arsenal will have to open the checkbook yet again after already signing Sanchez, Chambers and Debuchy.
Written by Joshua Bean