Arsene Wenger has supposedly set his sights on a deal for Tyrone Mings, having cooled his interest in original target Mats Hummels.
Borussia Dortmund captain Hummels is regarded as one of the best central defenders on the planet, and played a key role as Germany won the World Cup in the summer. Although the 25-year-old has another two years remaining on his contract at the Signal Iduna Park he continues to be linked with a transfer, particularly as Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently bottom of the Bundesliga.
However, if the defender is to leave either in the winter or, more likely, during the summer window, he will not come cheap. It has been widely reported that Die Borussen could ask for as much as £40million for their star asset, although this price may not deter the interest from Louis van Gaal, the Manchester United coach, who is keen to add the player to his Old Trafford squad.
It would likely be enough to force Arsenal to look elsewhere, though, and that appears to be the opinion of the Daily Mail Sunday who believe Arsene Wenger will instead turn to Mings. The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the best English defenders outside of the Premier League, and has already become a key part of an Ipswich Town side who are currently second in the Championship.
The former Southampton and Bristol Rovers youth team player, who has also represented Yale Town and Chippenham Town, burst onto the first team scene at Portman Road during the 2013-14 season having made his debut on the final day of the previous campaign. He has now made 35 league appearances for the club, and was rewarded with a new three-year deal in September this year.
Of course, Mick McCarthy will privately accept that this agreement will count for little should one of the big-boys of the Premier League come knocking. And the tabloid claims Wenger is prepared to pay £8million for the 6ft 3in player, who is equally comfortably in the heart of the back four or at left fullback, which would represent a huge profit on the £10,000 Ipswich paid for him in 2013.
Mings has bags of potential, but shouldn’t Arsenal be looking for a more experienced option? Let us know what you think by joining in with the discussion below.
