Arsenal in a transfer tussle for highly rated defender

Arsenal are reportedly interested in the signature of Marseille full-back Christopher Rocchia, but might have to beat off competition from German side Borussia Dortmund who are also interested in signing the highly rated 19-year-old.

French side Marseille are keen on tying down the youngster on a long-term contract with his existing contract expiring at the end of the season, but talks have stalled, alerting the big teams in Europe vying for his signature. His refusal to extend his contract at the Orange Velodrome indicates he might be willing to leave his boyhood club, and this might force the club to sell him or risk losing him on a free next summer.

Gunners chief French scout Giles Grimandi is believed to have contacted Rocchia’s representative after being captivated by the youngster’s performances ahead of a potential January swoop. However, Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has also contacted the player’s according a report from the Sun.

According to reports in France, Christopher Rocchia preference of playing for the Gunners over the German side might play in Arsenal’s favour. Sead Kolasinac and Nacho Monreal are the only options at left-back in the Arsenal squad and with the departure of Kieran Gibbs to West Bromwich Albion this summer shows the need for a replacement.

The highly rated youngster captains Marseille reserve side and has been named an understudy to ex-Manchester United defender Patrice Evra who joined the French side this summer. The presence of French stars such as Alexandre Lacazette, Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny as well as Wenger, might make the advances from the Gunners difficult to turn down for the youngster.

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