Arsenal have approach for key Bayern defender ‘turned down’
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Arsenal are set to have an approach for Bayern Munich defender Mehdi Benatia turned down by the player himself, in favour of a move to former side Roma.
The 29-year-old defender has been an impressive member of the German side’s defence but has struggled to nail down a place in the starting XI, with Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez the preferred pairing by Pep Guardiola this season.
With the north London side suffering from defensive problems that have seemingly become the norm during the 2015/16 campaign, a number of players have been linked and the latest is the Morrocan – who, according to the Mirror, is being lined up by Arsene Wenger, although the central defender does not want the move to the Premier League giants.
It’s believed that Benatia instead would prefer to move back to Italy to play for Roma – the side that have on loan Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny on their books.
Speaking about a potential move to Roma, Benatia held nothing back.
“I would certainly do it, everyone knows that Rome is a special place for me.
“So many people have remained in my heart.”
Not that disappointed if a move for Benatia doesn’t come to fruition. Whilst he is more mobile and suited to Arsenal’s style of play than Mertersacker, Gabriel has been more impressive than the Moroccan this season and Chambers has all the attributes to succeed as a centre half in Arsenal’s set up.
That said, I would still prefer to see Valencia’s Mustafi or Veltman of Ajax brought in to replace Mertersacker and Gabriel ahead of next season. I think three centre halves is enough in the first team. It gives all three the opportunity to play over the course of a season as well as providing some depth.