Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Everton are all considering making a swoop for Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria this summer.
According to a report from Sport BILD’s Christian Falk, Borussia Monchengladach’s Swiss international midfielder, Denis Zakaria, has emerged as a man in demand in the Premier League with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton all vying for his signature in the ongoing transfer window.
Zakaria has been with Gladbach since the summer of 2017 when he signed from Swiss club BSC Young Boys. The 24-year-old has gradually developed into one of the most promising midfielders in the Bundesliga, even though injuries have had an effect on his development.
To date, Zakaria, who can play as a defensive midfielder or a box-to-box operator, has made 128 appearances for the German outfit, scoring nine goals and setting up seven more. With his contract set to expire in less than a year, the 24-year-old has been linked with an exit from Borussia Park, with clubs in the Premier League now taking a keen interest.
Arsenal’s interest in Zakaria is not entirely new, with the Gunners having been linked with a move for the Switzerland international as recently as last month. And the interest in the 24-year-old also makes a great deal of sense, despite having already secured the signing of young Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Dani Ceballos has returned to Real Madrid after his loan deal expired at the end of the last season. With Thomas Partey suffering an injury during pre-season, Joe Willock on his way out and Mohamed Elneny a squad player at best, Arsenal need a new midfielder to pair up with Granit Xhaka, making Zakaria a viable option.
As for Tottenham, they have a well-stocked midfield unit as things stand, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Moussa Sissoko, Tanguy Ndombele, Harry Winks and youngster Oliver Skipp. However, Sissoko has been linked with an exit, as is Winks, whereas Ndombele, too, is said to be considering his future after having been overlooked for the pre-season fixtures.
So, manager Nuno Espirito Santo would need a new midfielder in case any of the aforementioned stars end up leaving. While a move for Sporting CP’s Joao Palhinha has been mooted recently, Zakaria, too, would be an option worth considering, especially given his contract situation.
Everton, meanwhile, are also on the lookout for midfield reinforcements as manager Rafael Benitez looks to build a squad in his own image. There have been question marks over the future of Andre Gomes while young Tom Davies has not kicked on as was expected of him. So, there is room for adding more quality in the middle of the park at Goodison Park.
Zakaria has plenty of experience in the Bundesliga, and at 24, his best years are still in front of him. If he stays fit, the Swiss international can be a fine addition to any of the aforementioned sides. What now remains to be seen is if Arsenal, Tottenham or Everton decide to act on their interest in the Gladbach star or look at alternatives.
