Arsenal suffer blow as Borussia Dortmund launch move for €40 million-rated star - Reports
Arsenal have suffered a blow in their bid to sign Manchester City defender Yan Couto with Borussia Dortmund coming into the picture, as per Fabrizio Romano. The Bundesliga giants are said to have made contact with City over the 22-year-old's signing.
Arsenal are keen to add more firepower to their ranks this summer after suffering yet another heartbreak in the Premier League title race last season. The Gunners have been linked with right-back Yan Couto but it looks like they've got an adversary to battle with.
Romano claims Borussia Dortmund have also registered an interest in the Brazilian defender, although they're unwilling to pay his €40 million release clause and would rather spend €20-25 million to lure him to the Signal Iduna Park.
“Borussia Dortmund have made contact with Man City to discuss Yan Couto deal conditions," the transfer expert wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) page.
“BVB are not [intending] to pay €40m release clause, negotiating on price while Couto’s keen on the move. BVB plan to invest around €20/25m as Sky Germany reported," he clarified.
Yan Couto is one of the most promising defenders in Europe currently. Thanks to his versatility, the Brazilian can also function on the wing, with his incredible pace, dribbling and eye for goal rendering him a threat to opposition defenses.
Although he's yet to make an appearance for Manchester City's senior side, he's been able to prove that he's ready for top-flight football with his successful loan spell at Girona last season.
The 22-year-old made 39 appearances for the Liga side across all fronts during the campaign, recording two goals and 10 assists.
How did Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund fare last season?
Arsenal proved to be one of the most consistent clubs in the Premier League during the 2023-24 campaign. The Gunners were locked in a 3-way title race that involved Liverpool and Manchester City. Unfortunately, they lost the title to the Cityzens, making it two straight years of near misses.
Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, also stood out in the Champions League where they made it to the final. They eventually lost the decider to Real Madrid but would be proud of the run they had as dark horses.
Both clubs will be eager to reach greater heights next season and will be active in the preseason this summer while making transfer moves of course.