Arsenal target 22-year-old right back as ‘priority’ this summer

The Gunners are already stepping up potential summer plans

March 18, 2023 at 10:58 am GMT

Arsenal have made Galatasaraay right-back Sacha Boey their no.1 defensive target this summer, it has been reported, as Mikel Arteta looks to sure up his defence ahead of their return to the Champions League.

Ben White has proved a revelation in that position since his move there at the beginning of the season, but former first-choice option Takehiro Tomiyasu has struggled through fitness and form, with the Japanese defender having started just six Premier League games this season.

Manchester, England, 27th January 2023. Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal during the The FA Cup match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture credit should read: Andrew Yates / Sportimage Credit: Sportimage/Alamy Live News 2MJC06C Manchester, England, 27th January 2023. Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal during the The FA Cup match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture credit should read: Andrew Yates / Sportimage Credit: Sportimage/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)

He lasted just 9 minutes in Arsenal’s Europa League round of 16 tie against Sporting CP before needing to be substituted, amid fears that he could be sidelined for some time with a potential knee injury.

It is no secret that the Gunners are looking for more firepower on the right side of defence this summer, with strong links to Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda in January and Mikel Arteta’s side potentially set to fight it out with Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle this summer for his signature once more.

But, as per a report in Turkey, another option that has emerged for Arsenal is 22-year-old defender Sacha Boey, who has caught the eye this season in his 22 outings for Gala.

It is understood that any fee for the defender, who has already seen a move to Lyon fall through this year, would have to be in excess of £15m.

The Gunners are not alone in their admiration, however, with Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Sporting all keeping an eye on the youngster while Lyon remain interested.

Arsenal are also expected to target another central midfielder this summer, as well as potentially a forward and a left back, though the latter two may depend on the futures of Reiss Nelson and Kieran Tierney, who both could depart.