Arsenal in race to sign Joachim Andersen

Arsenal have been linked with a transfer move for Denmark under-21 international defender Joachim Andersen. The 6 foot 4 centre-back, who currently plays in Serie A with Sampdoria, has been touted as one of Europe's best young defenders and could join the Gunners for a fee of around 48 million euros.

Unai Emery, the Gunners' manager is expected to be very busy in the transfer market this summer, and one area the Spaniard is keen to revamp is his defence. Aging defender Laurent Koscielny could find himself playing more of a bit-part role next season while there remain huge doubts over the future of Shkrodan Mustafi at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal has opted to make the signing of a new centre-back their top priority this summer and Joachim Andersen appears to be their preferred option.

Andersen began his professional career playing in his homeland for FC Copenhagen and Midtjylland, before making a switch to the Netherlands to play for FC Twente. An impressive couple of seasons there brought about a transfer to Italy in 2017, and since then the defender has gone from strength to strength. The centre-back - who can also play as a holding midfielder - played in 32 Serie A games last season.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery is desperate to sign a ball-playing defender and Andersen is seen as one of the best around.