Arsenal are one of “four clubs ready” to bid “at least” €20m (£17m) for Dinamo Zagreb’s Josip Sutalo, according to journalist Niccolo Ceccarini.

In an interview on Radio Toscana (quotes via Sport Witness), Ceccarini was asked about Fiorentina’s chances of landing the 6ft 3 centre-back when he said:

“For Sutalo, there are four clubs ready to put at least 20 million for the player. From Leipzig, to Arsenal, West Ham and Ajax.”

It should be noted that the Gunners have been scouting Sutalo over the last year or so, but there was a feeling that the interest had cooled following the arrival of Jakub Kiwior in January.

However, Ceccarini is suggesting that they are again actively pursuing the Croatian. There are a couple of reasons why that could be the case.

A replacement for Rob Holding

After his struggles at the end of last season, there has been a lot of talk about Holding potentially leaving the Emirates this summer.

A potential loan move to Besiktas has been rumoured, although nothing concrete has been put on the table at this stage. That could, of course, change before the end of the transfer window and Sutalo may be seen as the best candidate to replace him.

Arsenal don’t want to lose out on signing a talented defender

As we have seen with the Gunners’ pursuit of Brentford’s David Raya, the club don’t necessarily just pursue players who would fill a gap in the squad.

If sporting director Edu and the club’s recruitment team see a chance to bring in a player with the requisite talent in any position, they are prepared to make an offer.

Even though they don’t really need another centre-half at this time, Arsenal may feel that they have to make their move now to prevent other teams from signing Sutalo instead.