Arsenal Football Club is reportedly closing in on the signing of a promising young centre-back, having reached a verbal agreement for a deal worth around £22 million.
The player in question is Joel Ordonez, a 20-year-old Ecuadorian defender currently playing for Club Brugge in Belgium. As Arsenal looks to reinforce their defensive line this summer, the club has identified Ordonez as a priority target.
This move comes as Dean Huijsen, another highly rated young centre-back, appears set to make a switch to Real Madrid. Arsenal had shown interest in Huijsen previously but with the Spanish giants now leading the race for his signature, the Gunners have quickly turned their attention elsewhere.
Joel Ordonez has emerged as a fitting alternative, admired for his strength, composure, and maturity well beyond his years.
Although a verbal agreement is in place between Arsenal and the player, the North London club must now finalize negotiations with Club Brugge. The Belgian side is reportedly open to selling the player for a fee in the region of £25 million, which is slightly above the £22.7 million valuation listed on Transfermarkt.
However, with other European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, showing interest in the Ecuadorian international, Arsenal is eager to wrap up the deal swiftly.
Arsenal’s recruitment team is particularly keen on signing young players with the potential to grow within Mikel Arteta’s system, and Ordonez fits that profile perfectly.
Having already featured regularly for Club Brugge’s first team, the 20-year-old defender has demonstrated significant potential in the Belgian Pro League. His physical attributes and ability to read the game have drawn positive attention from scouts across Europe.
While personal terms with the player are believed to be largely agreed upon, the final hurdle remains reaching a consensus with his current club. Arsenal hopes to act decisively in the coming days to fend off interest from other suitors and secure Ordonez’s services ahead of the new season.
With the Gunners aiming to challenge for top honors next season, adding depth and youth to their defensive options is a key part of their summer strategy. Should the deal for Ordonez be completed, it would represent a strategic investment in the future, strengthening the squad while continuing to build a foundation of young, talented players at the Emirates.
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