Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is the one pushing for the Gunners to sign RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan, according to journalist Chris Wheatley.

Speaking to the National World TV Youtube channel, the reporter claims that the 23-year-old has been identified as a solution by Arteta to reinforce the right-hand side of defence:

“We know they’re looking at Mohamed Simakan, he’s a player they really do like, he is on the shortlist and Mikel Arteta will try to bring that player in this summer. Arsenal are looking for a right-back below the age of 24, they want someone athletic who suits that Premier League, fluid style that Arteta likes to play.”

It should be pointed out that Simikan is ostensibly a centre-half and he has only recently been converted into a right-back by Leipzig manager Marco Rose.

Considering Arsenal are also said to be looking to strengthen their options at centre-back, though, Simikan could well be targeted to help plug gaps in both positions.

The Frenchman is unlikely to be available on the cheap, though. When Paris Saint-German were linked with the player last summer, his asking price was a reported €40m (£35m), and it may have increased since then, with Leipzig having since tied him down to a new contract in December.