Arsenal are reportedly closing in on the signing of a new central defender as part of their plans to bolster the squad ahead of the upcoming season. According to recent updates, the Gunners have reached a verbal agreement to bring in Joel Ordonez, a promising 20-year-old centre-back from Belgian club Club Brugge, in a deal valued at around £22 million.
This development comes as Arsenal shift their attention following Dean Huijsen’s impending move to Real Madrid. The club had shown strong interest in Huijsen, but with his likely transfer to Spain, Arsenal have turned their focus to other young defensive talents on the market.
Ordonez, who hails from Ecuador, has impressed scouts and club officials with his strong physical presence and maturity beyond his years on the pitch. Despite being only 20, he’s already featured for Club Brugge’s first team and established himself as a reliable option in the Belgian league.
His combination of athleticism, composure, and defensive awareness has made him a standout target for Arsenal as they look to add depth and youth to their backline.
Although a verbal agreement appears to be in place, Arsenal are yet to finalize terms with Club Brugge. The estimated transfer fee for Ordonez is believed to be between £22 million and £25 million, a figure that reflects his potential and current market value. Reports suggest that personal terms may also have been informally discussed, though no official paperwork has been signed yet.
Complicating matters is the recent interest from French champions Paris Saint-Germain, who have reportedly entered the race for Ordonez’s signature. PSG’s involvement could potentially drive up the asking price or sway the player’s decision, prompting Arsenal to act quickly to avoid missing out.
Arsenal’s recruitment strategy this summer appears focused on reinforcing the defensive unit, particularly with young talents who can grow alongside established stars like William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães. Whether Ordonez ultimately fills that role remains to be seen, but the club’s proactive pursuit suggests they are determined to strengthen their options at the back.
In addition to Ordonez, Arsenal are also reportedly keeping tabs on other defenders like Mosquera as alternative options. These players may not carry the same experience as Huijsen but represent more affordable investments, allowing the club financial flexibility to address other areas, particularly in attack, ahead of the new campaign.
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