Arsenal open talks to sign Serie A defender ahead of busy summer

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Arsenal have opened discussions to sign Roma centre-back Evan Ndicka as manager Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his defence ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Arteta is facing a mounting injury crisis at the back, with key defender Gabriel Magalhães ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury. With uncertainty surrounding Gabriel’s future and growing interest from Saudi Arabia, Arsenal appear to be planning for long-term stability in defence.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Gunners have made an official enquiry for Ndicka, who has been a standout performer for Roma this season. The 25-year-old has played every single minute of the Serie A campaign, showcasing his durability and consistency. Roma reportedly value the Ivorian international between €30–40 million.

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Arsenal will face competition from Premier League rivals Newcastle United, who are also said to be monitoring Ndicka’s situation closely. However, the Gunners are believed to be leading the race at this stage.

Evan Ndicka, born in Paris, represented France at youth level from Under-16 through to Under-21, but later switched international allegiance to Ivory Coast, earning 20 senior caps so far. Since joining Roma in 2023, the left-footed defender has quickly become a mainstay in the team, and his consistent displays have helped Roma remain in contention for European qualification. Claudio Ranieri’s side currently sit sixth in Serie A, just two points off the Champions League spots with four games remaining.

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Back at Arsenal, defensive reinforcements are becoming increasingly urgent. While Gabriel has been one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders in the last few seasons, the Brazilian’s long-term future remains unclear, with his contract running until 2027 and reported Saudi interest potentially complicating matters.

Meanwhile, William Saliba – who also has a contract expiring in 2027 – is expected to be prioritised for an extension. That could leave Gabriel in a precarious position, especially with Arsenal targeting new left-sided options.

Last summer’s marquee defensive signing Riccardo Calafiori has struggled with injuries this season, and both Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko are expected to leave the club in the upcoming transfer window. That leaves Arsenal light in both the left-back and left centre-back positions.

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