FBL-FRA-LIGUE1-NICE-TOULOUSE — Nice's French defender Malang Sarr celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between OGC Nice (OGCN) and Toulouse FC (TFC) at the Allianz Riviera stadium, in Nice, southeastern France, on December 21, 2019. (Photo by YANN COATSALIOU / AFP) (Photo by YANN COATSALIOU/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal in for OGC Nice’s Malang Sarr on free transfer

Jul 9, 2020

Arsenal are one of the clubs in for Malang Sarr, who is available on a free transfer after coming to the end of his contract with OGC Nice.

fbl fra ligue1 toulouse nice — Nice’s French-Senegalese defender Malang Sarr (R) vies with Matthieu Dossevi on February 15, 2020. (Photo by REMY GABALDA/AFP via Getty Images)

Marca report that Malang Sarr has ‘several offers’ after coming to the end of his contract with Nice, including from RB Leipzig and Arsenal.

The story originated with Sky Sport in Germany, who claimed the two clubs are favourites for the defender. The 21-year-old will decide his next destination in the coming days.

Sarr made 20 appearances for Nice this season, starting at centre-back and left-back at various points in the campaign.

As a left-footed defender, he could well suit Arsenal. The Gunners may move Sead Kolasinac on this summer and they’re lacking a left-footed centre-back again after Pablo Mari’s injury. Sarr could help fill in for both positions.

The young defender is a strong passer, maintaining a pass accuracy over 90% over the season. That’s not exactly surprising, though, as Nice are one of the top possession sides in Ligue 1.

Sarr also loves to play on the front foot and press opposing forwards, which leads to a fair number of interceptions.

If Arsenal can convince him to join, they’d save a bit of money on transfer fees. Whether they’re actually after him, we’ll probably know more in the coming days.