Arsenal open talks to sign £25m Roma star ahead of Newcastle and PSG
He's played every minute in the Serie A this season.
Arsenal chiefs have made enquiries over a possible move for Roma defender Evan Ndicka in the summer.
Ndicka joined Roma on a free transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023 and has gone on to establish himself as a linchpin of the side over the last two seasons.
The Ivory Coast international finds himself in an elite club of just four players to play every single minute in Serie A this term, with Claudio Ranieiri’s men sitting sixth in the table and battling it out for Champions League qualification.
Ndicka’s Roma team-mate, Mile Svilar, and Lecce duo Federico Baschirotto and Wladimiro Falcone are the only other ever-presents in the Italian top flight since the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
However, there is growing speculation that Ndicka could be set for the exit door at the Stadio Olimpico, as some of Europe’s biggest clubs prepare for a potential bidding war.
Get personalised updates on Arsenal everyday
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we’ll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.
According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ndicka’s performances have not gone unnoticed in the Premier League and both Arsenal and Newcastle are keeping close tabs on the towering centre-back.
Paris Saint-Germain have also been tracking Ndicka’s progress and could compete with the two English clubs when the summer transfer window opens for business.
The report adds that the Gunners have held initial discussions to gauge Ndicka’s availability, with the north London giants scouring the market for defensive reinforcements under newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta.
It’s claimed a deal could be agreed with Roma for a fee between €30-40million (£25-34m).
While Jakub Kiwior has impressed alongside William Saliba following a season-ending injury to Gabriel Magalhaes, Mikel Arteta is keen for more strength in depth at centre-half.
Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu have all been deployed at the heart of Arteta’s defence, though are more comfortable at wing-back.
Speaking to L’Equipe last month, Ndicka refused to be drawn on rumours surrounding his future and insisted he remained fully committed to Roma.
‘I’m not pretending that I don’t see the rumours,’ the Ivorian said.
‘But I have respect in Rome and I respect them
‘I have three years remaining on my contract, we will see what happens later.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
