Arteta orders Arsenal offer for rising France star available for free

Arsenal have reportedly submitted an offer for defender Malang Sarr, who is a free agent after running down his contract with Nice.

The 21-year-old moved to Nice in 2015, initially with their B team, before stepping up to the first team in 2016.

Since then, however, he has proved an outstanding signing, making 102 Ligue 1 appearances in four seasons.

However, the centre-back is a free agent, having reached the end of his terms with Nice.

According to Marca, the Gunners have submitted an offer but they are not alone in showing interest.

RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann is monitoring the situation and his club have also submitted a bid.

Indeed, the Spanish source claims Sarr has “several” offers on the table ahead of next season.

The France Under-21 international made 32 appearances in his first season with Nice, following that up with 21 in the 2017/18 season.

The last campaign was his most consistent, however, with Sarr missing only three Ligue 1 games.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta earmarked defence as a top priority for renovation upon signing on at The Emirates.

The Spaniard brought Cedric Soares and Pablo Mari in on loan in January, with both recently signing long-term deals.

What’s more, after much public deliberation between the club and his agent, David Luiz agreed a one-year extension.

William Saliba will also join from Saint-Etienne, although Arsenal and the French club went public with their disagreements over his arrival date.

ARTETA CONFIRMS FURTHER ARSENAL, SALIBA TALKS

Arteta has confirmed that both Arsenal and Saint-Etienne are in talks to resolve the situation.

The manager said (via the Daily Express): “The clubs are dealing with the situation.

“You know what happened in the last few days, I prefer to stay away from that.

“Hopefully they find a good agreement on the situation in good terms that helps the player as well.”