Transfer Centre

Report: Arsenal join Marseille, Borussia Dortmund in race to sign Medhi Benatia

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 02 June 2018

Arsenal reportedly join Marseille and Borussia Dortmund in the race to sign out-of-favour Juventus defender and Morocco international Medhi Benatia this summer.

Juventus defender Medhi Benatia has reportedly been identified as a summer transfer target for Arsenal.

The Gunners, boasting a new manager in Unai Emery, are understood to be seeking backline reinforcements following the retirement of Per Mertesacker and a long-term injury suffered by Laurent Koscielny.

Benatia, meanwhile, has struggled to hold down a first-team place at Juve, making just 19 appearances in Serie A last season as the Bianconeri went on to clinch the Scudetto.

According to The Sun, Arsenal head of recruitment Sven Mislintat has identified Benatia as a possible target to bolster their ranks should the 31-year-old be deemed surplus to requirements in Turin.

However, the report claims that the Morocco international is also being monitored by Europa League finalists Marseille and Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

Benatia has spent the last two years with Juve, initially joining on loan from Bayern Munich before making that deal permanent last summer.