Arsenal Defensive Target Deemed ‘Not-For-Sale’

Arsenal Defensive Target Deemed ‘Not-For-Sale’

Arsenal have been linked to the 19-year old Matthias GInter in recent weeks as the London club are on the lookout for defensive reinforcements, given the setback they received by the extended lengthy lay-off for club captain Thomas Vermaelen. He is now out for six weeks and is set to miss the opening few rounds of fixtures of the new season.

Vermaelen’s injury has left the Gunners with only Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny as recognized first-choice center-backs. They have been forced to shift Bacary Sagna into the heart of defense from right-back, and have been playing him in that position for the pre-season.


However, they are aware that this is not the permanent solution, and that they will have to at some point move in for a central defender in the coming weeks. They have therefore sounded out an interest in teenage prodigy Matthias Ginter, who has been regarded highly in the Bundesliga. The German Under-21 international had a great season last time around with his club, and his versatility of playing in central defense and holding midfield positions is what has attracted manager Arsene Wenger’s attention.

However, Ginter’s club Freiburg have now interfered in between any deal from potentially taking shape as according to Metro, the club’s sporting director, Joachim Saier said, “There have been no offers for Matthias, and to suggest we have agreed a fee, as mentioned, is nonsense.”

“The fact of the matter is, we have no thoughts about selling him.”

With Saier sounding stern on his intentions, it looks like Arsenal have their task cut out for them now. They will have to try and shell out an awful lot of money for Freiburg to simply consider their stance on their young star. With Arsenal already struggling to pull off a deal for Liverpool’s Luis Suarez, they are thrust into yet another transfer saga which will most likely end up upsetting them.

Is it all over for the Gunners, or can they still salvage this situation and capture Ginter against all odds?