Atsuto Uchida is the latest name linked with the Emirates club…
Arsenal are keen to bring in Schalke’s Japanese right-back Atsuto Uchida, with less than two weeks left of the transfer window, reports the Daily Star.
The Gunners have reportedly lodged a £6m bid for the Japanese international who has already won 60 caps, despite being only 25-years-old.
After falling to an embarrassing opening day 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa, fans are desperate for manager Arsene Wenger and the club’s board to act quickly and spend some money. The atmosphere at the Emirates was frosty all Saturday afternoon, and the team left the field to loud boos.
Arsenal already have French international Bacary Sagna at right-back who has actually been one of their more consistent performers in recent seasons. The club have opened contract negotiations with the 30-year-old, but want to bring in some proven competition to fight for the starting spot.
Uchida moved to the Bundesliga club in 2010 from boyhood Japanese side Kashima Antlers, and has impressed ever since.
His pace and reading of the game helps him intercept possession, and he is comfortable playing a short passing, slick brand of football, so should slot easily into the Arsenal set up. Uchida is fairly lightweight though, so the only question would be whether he could adapt to the physical side of the Premier League.
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