Arsenal lead race to sign €40m-rated Serie A defender

Arsenal are leading the race ahead of Newcastle United to sign €40m-rated Serie A defender Evan Ndicka, who is said to have played every single minute this season.

Reports have indicated that Arsenal and Newcastle have eyes on the Serie A defender, but the Gunners have moved ahead of Newcastle in the race for the €40m defender.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Mikel Arteta’s side has enquired about AS Roma defender Evan Ndicka, who arrived in the Italian capital in 2023 and has impressed in the 2024/25 campaign.

The report further reveals that the Roma defender would cost between €30-40m to leave the Stadio Olimpico in the summer.

Arteta wants to strengthen his squad further in the summer, and Arsenal chiefs will view Ndicka as a great addition if they manage to sign him.

Ndicka, has been impressive for Roma this season, playing every single minute of Roma’s current Serie A campaign(Image credit: Getty Images)

Ndicka, 25, has been impressive for Roma this season, playing every single minute of Roma’s current Serie A campaign.

The left center-back moved from Eintracht Frankfurt to Roma in June 2023 on a five-year contract.

His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed and have alerted the Gunners, though Newcastle are also keen on signing the French international.

Ndicka was born in Paris and represented France throughout the age groups, playing for every team from Under-16s through to Under-21s.

At the senior level, however, he has declared for the Ivory Coast and has managed 20 caps for Les Elephants.

Though Arsenal are ahead of the pack, it remains a puzzle who among the two English giants will be able to convince him to sign.

We anticipate a summer transfer battle, but for now, Ndicka will be focused on ensuring Roma finish in the European qualification positions in Serie A this season.