Arsenal look like they will secure their first January signing pretty early in the transfer window, as they prepare a £8million bid for Tyrone Mings according to The Telegraph.
Jeremy Wilson, a reputable source wrote the story for the Telegraph last night. He suggests the Gunners are ready to table an £8million bid for the young English defender.
There is no doubt that Arsene Wenger is willing to invest in young English defenders, after he secured the signing of Calum Chambers for £14million in the summer. Much like Chambers, Mings is capable of playing as a full back. In fact his main position is left-back, but his 6ft 3 frame means Wenger has earmarked him as a potential future centre back.
Signing Mings would add to Arsenal’s influx of young English talent. Wenger had been keen to sign English defenders after missing out on Phil Jones and Chris Smalling to Manchester United. In Chambers and Mings, though, Wenger could secure two of the most promising and versatile young English defenders around. In Jenkinson, Chambers, Mings and Gibbs – Arsenal could have the potential to field an all-English back four in the coming seasons – an exciting prospect for the national team.
Ipswich rejected a £3million deadline-day bid from Crystal Palace for Mings in the summer. They value the player at £10million following his early season form but Arsenal are confident of completing the deal for around £8million.
Arsenal seem keen to get this deal done early in the winter window and Ipswich are not likely to get in the way if the Gunners stump up the required cash. £10million might seem like a lot for a Championship player, but considering the £30million Manchester United spent on Luke Shaw, you can see why Wenger might want to make to take a gamble before his price rises too high.
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It has been reported Wenger has £20million to spend in January, which may see him sign one defender and perhaps one other player. It has been said that if the right player were to become available – he could spend more.