Bidding war: Arsenal now very serious contenders to beat Real Madrid to midfielder transfer | OneFootball

Arsenal could reportedly be set to enter into a bidding war with Real Madrid for the potential transfer of Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi.

The Gunners are up against Los Blancos in the race to sign the talented 20-year-old, who has shone in the Bundesliga in recent times, drawing comparisons with Paul Pogba.

That’s according to a report from Fichajes, who state that Arsenal are emerging as very serious contenders for Manzambi, in what looks like a two-horse race for his signature.

It surely wouldn’t be easy for Manzambi to turn down Real Madrid, but Arsenal are also emerging as a real powerhouse under Mikel Arteta, with the club still chasing a possible Premier League and Champions League double this season.

Who is Johan Manzambi?

Manzambi is not the most experienced player in the world, but he’s quickly earned quite a reputation after two seasons in the Freiburg first-team.

The Switzerland international has seven goals in 46 games in his club career in total, as well as three goals in ten caps for his country.

Although primarily a defensive midfielder, Manzambi has also occasionally played further forward, either in a central attacking role and even out wide.

WhoScored list his strengths as long shots and dribbling, which will likely be why he’s drawn comparisons with Pogba.

Arsenal to strengthen in midfield

Arsenal will surely look to add depth in midfield this summer after relying so heavily on Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice without much rotation this season.

Manzambi could be ideal to come in as someone who could initially provide cover, but then develop into more of a regular once he gains more experience.

Still, it’s perhaps hard to imagine he’d start regularly straight away, though that’s possibly true for if he moved to the Bernabeu as well.