Arsenal edging closer to signing Sampdoria duo Andersen & Praet in double-swoop

Arsenal are looking to get their business done early this summer, lining up a £44m move for Sampdoria duo Joachim Andersen and Dennis Praet.

While Arsenal have plenty of holes around their squad, 2 of the most notable ones are at centre-back and centre-midfield. Especially now that Aaron Ramsey is officially leaving the club, Arsenal are in the market for a quality #8, as well as a centre-back or two that can be an upgrade on the likes of Mustafi and Koscielny. With their budget reportedly not being too large, and the club only being able to offer Europa League football, it seemed to us that the Gunners would have to find bargains from smaller clubs this summer. That seems to be exactly the case, as they’ve found 2 solutions plying their trade at the same club, and a club that has a very good relationship with Arsenal – Sampdoria duo Joachim Andersen and Dennis Praet.

Andersen, a 6’4 centre-back who passes the ball exquisitely, would certainly be an upgrade on the Gunners’ current backline. At just 23, Andersen would prove to be a prudent signing that could certainly improve over time and match minutes. Andersen’s long-range passing is among the very best in Serie A, and this is an aspect that Arsenal is completely missing when playing out from the back.

Arsenal reportedly have started bidding for the duo, but the Sampdoria owner is holding out for £44 million, which the Gunners are reportedly willing to pay.

As for Dennis Praet, the Belgian midfielder isn’t a flashy player by any means, but is noted for being an efficient midfielder who can do an adequate job in all phases of play. Praet has played mostly as a right sided midfielder in a diamond this season, shuttling up and down the half-space, inspiring counter-attacks and doing the dirty work in tracking back as well. While he wouldn’t quite be a star at Arsenal, he would fill the role that Ramsey has vacated to an acceptable level.

Both Dennis Praet and Joachim Andersen fit the type of role that Arsenal want in their team this summer. They are both quite young players, who have plenty to bring to the table, and their combined value of £44 million, which Arsenal are rumoured to be willing to pay, is certainly a bargain.