Arsenal interested in Lille defender Alexsandro Ribeiro | OneFootball

According to UOL, Arsenal have ‘made initial contact’ to sign Lille defender Alexsandro Ribeiro. Scouts from North London went to watch him play for Brazil against Paraguay.

Arsenal are interested in Alexsandro, who is considering leaving the French club in the summer transfer window.

The 25-year-old was one of the better defenders in Ligue 1 last season. He helped Lille keep 10 clean sheets while winning 71% of his aerial and 58% of his ground duels.

To top it off, he is an excellent two-footed defender and thrives on the ball. He would be perfect for Mikel Arteta’s system at Arsenal.

Alexsandro received his first call-up to the Brazilian national team under Carlo Ancelotti and made his mark with two excellent performances for the Selecao.

Against Ecuador, he helped keep a clean sheet and won 100% of his five duels, marshalling the backline with assuredness and composure.

The Arsenal scouts would have witnessed another solid showing against Paraguay. He won seven of his 12 duels and caught the eye.

Alexsandro can provide back-up to Gabriel Magalhaes, whom Arsenal also purchased from Lille.

He can also be an alternative to Real Madrid target William Saliba on the right side of the Arsenal rearguard.

He is reportedly considering offers to leave France, and the Gunners will be queuing for his signature.

Much of Arsenal’s funds have been directed towards signing midfielders and defenders, while the club is crying out for difference-makers in attack.

Alexsandro is a fantastic defender, but defence is not the issue holding this Arsenal team back. They need attacking reinforcement.

The North Londoners desperately need to sign a marquee winger and a lethal centre-forward. Every other move should be on the back burner until they add firepower up top.