SportJean-Philippe Gbamin's confirms Arsenal talks - but is the Ivorian what the Gunners need?

© Jörg Schüler/Getty Images Sport 1. FSV Mainz 05 v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga

Bernard Collignon, the agent of Mainz defender Jean-Philippe Gbamin, has confirmed he has been in talks with a plethora of Premier League sides, including Arsenal, over a potential summer move – but is the youngster what the Gunners need?

Collignon, talking to German outlet Fussball Transfers, cited by The Boot Room, has confirmed that he has been in talks with Liverpool, Everton, Tottenham and Arsenal ahead of a possible Premier League move for Gbamin this summer.

© Jörg Schüler/Getty Images Sport Jörg Schüler/Getty Images Sport

“I have had meetings with Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, Everton and many other clubs. He is on their shortlist. However, not as a top candidate, because its exact position is unclear.”

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Jean - Philippe Gbamin (born 25 September 1995) is an Ivorian footballer who plays as a centre back for Mainz 05. Gbamin is a former youth international for France.

Jean - Philippe Gbamin is still on Arsenal ' s radar even though Mainz have downplayed the chances of the centre-back and defensive midfielder leaving the Bundes Yet the Gunners remain keen, despite Mainz rejecting a bid of €35 million. The interest is understandable in a 22-year-old capable of

“In my opinion, he is a player worth €60m. It’s time for him to play as a centre-back. There he would be a top player in all four major leagues and would make a great career.”

There is no doubting that Unai Emery needs to add to his defensive options ahead of the new season, so a move for Gbamin seems sensible.

The 23-year-old, who can also play as a holding midfielder, has been a regular for Mainz over the past three years and has been a key member of the squad during that time.

Gbamin has plenty of potential to improve on his already impressive game and could be the dominant figure the Gunners have been crying out for at the back in recent years.

However, if Mainz demand a fee in the region of €60m, the Gunners could quickly be priced out of a deal for the player.

Arsenal reportedly have a transfer budget of £45m this summer, meaning a move for Gbamin is extremely unlikely.

If Arsenal chiefs can strike a potential player plus cash deal for the youngster, it would more than likely be a smart signing, with Gbamin having all the qualities needed to succeed in the Premier League.