Arsenal make surprise bid for German 22-year-old defender

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August 8, 2025 07:04 GMT (UK), by Ketan Patel

Arsenal director of football Andrea Berta has identified German youth international Bright Arrey-Mbi as a final transfer target before the summer window closes. Arrey-Mbi currently plays in Portugal with Braga, but actually grew up in England, playing for both Norwich City and Chelsea’s youth sides, before a transfer to Bayern Munich followed. After a stint at Hannover, he then moved to Portugal.

It is a surprise move by Arsenal to make a transfer for another defender, but talks that will see Oleksandr Zinchenko depart the club appear to have progressed well in recent days and now Mikel Arteta wants to add further defensive reinforcements to his squad, and sees the 22-year-old Cameroon-born youngster a possible acquisition. Arrey-Mbi has appeared for Germany’s youth team at every level and is very highly rated, and can operate at both centre-back as well as left-back and this versatility is what has caught Arteta and Berta’s eye.

Although talks are just about to commence, it is understood the Gunners could sign the defender for a fee of around £8 million, whilst Zinchenko will likely leave on a loan deal and frees up a place in Arsenal‘s squad ahead of the new season.