Arsenal face setback as top defensive target opts against summer move

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Arsenal have suffered a blow in their pursuit of highly-rated centre-back Evan Ndicka, with the Roma star reportedly set to remain in the Italian capital despite strong interest from the Premier League giants.

The Gunners had identified Ndicka as a defensive target ahead of the summer transfer window, with manager Mikel Arteta keen to add quality depth to ease the burden on William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. According to reports earlier this month, Arsenal had made initial enquiries to assess the feasibility of bringing the Ivory Coast international to the Emirates Stadium.

Ndicka, who joined Roma on a free transfer two years ago, has firmly established himself as a key figure at the heart of the Giallorossi defence. The 25-year-old made history this season by playing every single minute of Roma’s Serie A campaign — the first player to achieve such a feat since 2004 — underlining his durability and importance to the squad.

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Despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United, Arsenal were believed to be the most determined suitor for the commanding centre-back. However, Corriere dello Sport now reports that Roma have no intention of entertaining offers for Ndicka, who is viewed as one of the club’s eight ‘untouchable’ players.

Alongside the likes of Mile Svilar, Gianluca Mancini, Paulo Dybala, and Matias Soule, Ndicka is considered a cornerstone of Roma’s future and an “essential point of reference” in defence. The club see him as one of the two key pillars at the back, alongside Mancini, regardless of who replaces Daniele De Rossi at the helm.

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The player himself appears fully committed to staying put. In a recent interview with L’Équipe, Ndicka acknowledged the swirling transfer rumours but reaffirmed his respect and loyalty to Roma.

“I’m not pretending that I don’t see the rumours,” he said. “But I have respect in Rome and I respect them. I have three years remaining on my contract, we will see what happens later.”

With Ndicka’s contract running until June 2028, Arsenal may now be forced to shift their focus to alternative targets as they continue preparations for another push for the Premier League title.

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