Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is keen on a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s star centre-back Omer Toprak.
The Daily Star states that Simon Kjaer of Fenerbahce was also being considered by the French tactician however, Wenger wants to push ahead with a move for Toprak.
Here are three reasons we think Toprak would be a good choice for Arsenal.
- Experience
The Turkish international is vastly experienced in the Bundesliga having made 171 appearances for Bayer since joining from Freiburg in 2011. Toprak has years of Champions League experience under his belt. Toprak is quick, good on the ball and would work well at a side playing a high line like Arsenal. The 27-year-old also has an impressive disciplinary record having been sent off just twice in 171 games for Bayer Leverkusen.
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuLlpGF-Oyk
2. Adaptability
Toprak was part of the German U-19 national team squad that won the 2008 UEFA European Under-19 Championship before switching allegiances to Turkey. Guus Hiddink called Toprak up for his first game in 2011 and he became a first-team regular until the Gokhan Tore incident which involved a firearm being pulled in him in a hotel room.
For the full story: How a love story and a firearm incident tore the Turkey team apart
The experienced defender was involved in a karting accident, in which he suffered severe burns but managed to pull off a full recovery in just four months. Toprak has shown an ability to adapt to just about any situation thrown at him. He also knows German and Turkish which would help him communicate with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Mertesacker, Gnabry and he knows basic English.
3. Price
Toprak has hinted that he would be open to leaving over the summer and has just two years remaining on his contract.
The Turkey international was quoted by Turkish-Football.com as saying: “It is not certain whether I will stay at Bayer Leverkusen, we still have a month and anything could happen until them.”
The Gunners could snap him up for £14 million which is less than is being quoted for Valencia defender Mustafi.