Arsenal in talks with 'the next Cristian Romero' over move: report

By Mark White
published

Arsenal are planning to bring in another defender, with Mikel Arteta keen to add depth to his backline

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks on after the Pre-Season Friendly match between Arsenal and FC Barcelona at SoFi Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Inglewood, California
(Image credit: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal are targeting the next Nemanja Vidic, as Mikel Arteta brings in reinforcements to his defence.

The Gunners have been imperious in defence this term, conceding a league-low 10 goals thus far. William Saliba and Gabriel have been excellent at centre-back, with Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White and Jakub Kiwior options in the centre, too.

But there is still a worrying lack of depth – especially with Jurrien Timber still out injured. Tomiyasu, White and Kiwior can all play at full-back, with only Oleksandr Zinchenko as a specialist full-back ahead of them in the pecking order. Arsenal could be hampered by another injured at the back – and are looking to address that. 

Jurrien Timber of Arsenal receives medical treatment during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2023 in London, England.

Jurrien Timber is still injured, leaving Arsenal short in defence (Image credit: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

According to GOAL, Arsenal are in talks with Radu Dragusin over a move to the Emirates Stadium.

The Genoa defender has been complimented for his ability to rush out and meet attackers, compared favourably with another footballer plying his trade in north London, Cristian Romero. The Argentine doesn't just have a similar playing style but could have a similar career trajectory.

Both Dragusin and Romero were at Juventus earlier in their careers before heading to Genoa on loan. While Romero was eventually signed by Atalanta before making his big move to Tottenham, Dragusin was signed permanently by Genoa.

Radu Dragusin of Genoa celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A TIM match between Genoa CFC and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on November 10, 2023 in Genoa, Italy.

Radu Dragusin is in talks with Arsenal (Image credit: Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Arsenal star Jakub Kiwior is reportedly open to a loan back to Serie A, making Dragusin a direct replacement. 

The Romanian is worth €10 million according to Transfermarkt. 

More Arsenal stories

Arsenal could face a tricky January transfer window, with the club reportedly 'sailing close to the wind' when it comes to Financial Fair Play.

Meanwhile, an important Gunners regular could be on his way out of the Emirates Stadium.

But a big-name European striker has been linked with a move to North London...

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Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.