Premier League Trio Tracking Defender as Roma Await European Fate | OneFootball

Evan Ndicka on Arsenal’s Radar, but Defensive Needs Remain Secondary

Arsenal Among Clubs Tracking Roma Centre-Back

Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Roma defender Evan Ndicka ahead of the summer transfer window, with Caught Offside revealing that the Gunners, alongside Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, are among several clubs showing interest in the Ivorian international.

Ndicka, 25, has been a central figure in Roma’s defensive setup since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, making 77 appearances across all competitions. He is currently valued at €40 million (£33.4 million), and English top-flight sides are believed to be willing to match that fee.

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European Qualification Key to Roma’s Stance

The decisive factor in Ndicka’s potential departure may rest with Roma’s European fate. Caught Offside reports that “a potential failure to secure European football may prompt the Italian side to sell the Ivorian defender in order to maintain financial equilibrium.”

With Roma sitting sixth in Serie A — currently a UEFA Conference League spot — any slip in form could jeopardise their qualification and push them into a selling position. Real Madrid are also reportedly keeping tabs on the defender, underlining the level of competition Arsenal could face should they wish to proceed.

Arsenal’s Defensive Options Already Strong

Realistically, however, Arsenal’s current defensive core is among the strongest in the Premier League. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães form one of Europe’s most reliable centre-back duos, while Jakub Kiwior and Ben White offer high-quality depth.

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As Caught Offside observe, “It speaks volumes that the Premier League’s second-placed side has conceded the fewest goals (24) in the top flight so far – three fewer than table-toppers Liverpool.”

Priorities Lie Elsewhere

Given Arsenal’s defensive record, a move for Ndicka may only materialise if one of the current regulars departs. With goals proving a greater concern — Arsenal have scored 16 fewer than Liverpool — attention may be better directed towards reinforcing the attack.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This kind of rumour feels a bit like window dressing — interesting, but ultimately not urgent. Evan Ndicka is a solid player, no doubt. Strong in the air, reads the game well, decent on the ball. But do Arsenal need him right now? Not really.

Saliba and Gabriel have been immense, arguably the best pairing in the league. Kiwior’s shown signs of growth, and Ben White’s versatility means they’re already well-covered. Spending over £30 million on a centre-back who won’t start unless there’s an injury doesn’t make much sense — especially with Arsenal’s goal return still not quite title-winning level.

Unless Real Madrid come knocking for Saliba or something equally dramatic happens, this feels like a luxury signing when they still need more in attack. A clinical finisher, a right-sided forward to rotate with Saka, even another central midfielder — those should be the priorities.