Arsenal are reportedly preparing to battle London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of versatile Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu this summer.
The 19-year-old began his career playing for Husum Boldklub before joining Nordsjaelland youth academy. He has also played for Denmark at the Under-18s to Under-21s levels.
Dorgu signed for Lecce at the Under-19s level back in 2022 and made his Serie A debut for the senior side in August 2023.
In just his first full season in the top flight, the 19-year-old has become a key player for the Italian club, and his performances have also attracted the attention of several big clubs across Europe.
The highly-rated teenager made 34 appearances across all competitions for Salentini last term and also notched up two goals in the league.
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Lecce open to offers for Patrick Dorgu this summer
According to Calcio Lecce, the Italian outfit have no intention of selling Dorgu this summer but are wiling to listen to offers close to their asking price of £25.5m.
The report adds that Arsenal have made an approach for the 19-year-old, while Spurs and Chelsea are also believed to be in the race to sign the highly-rated defender.
It is understood that Napoli have submitted a formal offer to try and sign the player but their valuation fell short of what Lecce are asking.
Mikel Arteta's side are already close to bolstering their defence with Riccardo Calafiori on the verge of sealing a move to the Emirates Stadium from Bologna.
Chelsea and Spurs have also been made aware of Lecce's asking price for Dorgu and are believed to be working on opening bids for the talented teenager.
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Dorgu's agent confirms Premier League interest
In an interview last November, Dorgu's agent Kingsley Ogbodo confirmed that his client was being pursued by several potential suitors, including the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City.
"He is in the midst of his growth and learning process, so today it is too early to say. What I know is that he has a lot to offer and give," he told reporters.
"Not only the clubs you mentioned [Liverpool and Manchester City], but also others. I don't want to name names and I don't want to create noise around him, there's no need.
"There is a lot of interest in Patrick and that doesn't surprise me. Everyone can see his talent. When he has even more confidence in his abilities and has completed his growth, then we will see the results he can achieve."
Arsenal already have Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior as options at left-back, but there are rumours that the former is looking for a move away from the Emirates this summer in search of guaranteed playing time.
Devesh Jaganath
