"Arsenal like the player" - Mikel Arteta is watching Bundesliga star - club won't block move

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka, according to reports.

The Gunners currently sit top of the Premier League, having lost just one of the opening 11 games of the season, and a key part of their success has been the defensive pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel.

While the pair has played every minute of Arsenal’s league season, it has been reported that Arteta is looking to bring in some defensive cover to help sustain the Gunners’ electric form.

According to the Evening Standard, highly-rated French centre-back Ndicka is a player Arsenal are tracking.

There could even be a coup on the cards, with Frankfurt reportedly open to selling Ndicka in January given the player's contract is expiring next summer.

Speaking to GveMeSport, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs said: "Arsenal like the player.

“They've certainly done their legwork and their due diligence and their scouting on him.

“There's a lot of interest in the player, not just from the Premier League but from all across Europe as well."

The 23-year-old is a key cog in the Frankfurt defence, and featured 11 times on the German side’s run to Europa League glory last term.

The towering centre-back has been one of the most dominant players aerially in the Bundesliga, and is ranked in the 83rd percentile for aerials won among centre-back, as per FBref.

Indeed, even his former Frankfurt manager Adi Hutter has been taken aback by the player’s development.

Hutter told Bundesliga.com: "I honestly have to say that I was surprised by his development. Evan has developed phenomenally.

"He's very attentive in the analysis of his own game. He's very modest and always takes a lot on board."

Arsenal will face competition for Ndicka’s signature however, with Serie A giants Juventus, Roma and AC Milan all reported to have expressed an interest in the player.

Italian publication Calciomercato claim that Frankfurt have asked Italian clubs to part with just €8million to €12 million (£6.95million to £10.4million) to sign Ndicka in January, given his contract situation.