Meet the Albania defender at the top of Arsenal’s wish list
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Managers across the land will be glued to the Euros as they try to unearth their next transfer target, and the eyes of Arsene Wenger appear to be fixed on Albania right-back Elseid Hysaj.
With the Gunners’ unsettled right-back Mathieu Debuchy seemingly certain to exit the Emirates this summer, Wenger will surely be looking to provide competition for regular starter Hector Bellerin, and signing the young Albanian is reportedly top of his priorities.
Hysaj turned heads for club side Napoli last season, helping Maurizio Sarri’s men to a second-placed finish in Serie A, as they conceded just 32 goals in those 38 games.
Having also established himself as one of the key figures in the national side, the 22-year-old has no fear of the big stage, and combined with his skill and physicality, he could well have Gooners fans purring in no time.
However, the north London outfit may need to act quickly to get their man, with another impressive display in the 1-0 defeat to Switzerland for the Shqiponjat on Saturday believed to have attracted other illustrious suitors.
With the Shkoder native valued at £9m by Transfermarkt.co.uk, this would also be an ideal time for the Gunners to swoop before his value potentially skyrockets with more impressive displays in France.
Albania face the Euro 2016 hosts on Wednesday, with the Balkans outfit 16/1 to record a shock victory, while France are 2/9 for the win and 11/2 for it to end honours even.
Meanwhile, Hysaj is 40/1 to record his first international goal in this crucial clash. If that happens, Wenger could face a battle to strike a deal with the talented 22-year-old.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
