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Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Eintracht Frankfurt's French defender Evan Ndicka on a free transfer next summer.
Ndicka, 23, was earlier linked with a move to Serie A side AS Roma. But now, as per il Romanista, the Gunners have already reached an agreement with the player whose current deal with Frankfurt expires next summer.
Mikel Arteta's side may have used the rule to allow clubs to strike pre-contract agreements with players outside their country.
Arteta is looking for a left-footed central defender after loaning Pablo Mari out to Monza this past summer. It has left Gabriel Magalhaes as Arsenal's only left-footed central defender in the first team.
The Spaniard often prefers his backline to consist of one right-footed and one left-footed center-back partnership.
Ndicka has made 15 appearances across competitions this season, helping Die Adler keep five clean sheets.
He joined Frankfurt from Auxerre in 2018 for €5.5 million and has made 162 appearances so far, scoring 10 goals and contributing as many assists.
The French defender was part of the side that lifted the UEFA Europa League last season.
He has made one appearance for France's U21s national team but is yet to earn a call-up to the senior squad.
Arsenal are in friendly action ahead of the return of Premier League
Meanwhile, the Gunners are preparing for the return of Premier League football. They took part in a mid-FIFA World Cup friendly against Lyon on Thursday, December 8.
Arteta's side romped to a 3-0 victory, courtesy of goals from Gabriel (19'), Eddie Nketiah (33'), and Fabio Vieira (39'). The north Londoners then beat the Ligue 1 side 2-1 in a penalty shootout, with Marquinhos and Matt Smith converting their spot kicks.
Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League with a five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City. Arteta's men are looking to be fully fit as a grueling schedule of fixtures is on the horizon.
The Gunners will face Juventus and AC Milan in two more friendlies before their return to competitive football against West Ham United on December 26.
Arsenal then head to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton & Hove Albion on December 31 before a clash with high-flying Newcastle United on January 3.
