Arsenal eye Joachim Andersen as David Luiz replacement

Clubs destined for relegation from the top-flight find themselves in a worrying situation: they have players on wages they can’t afford, and those with a taste of the Premier League want a second helping. Arsenal, with their limited budget, may seek to pounce with Fulham’s Joachim Andersen in their sights.

The Cottagers are edging ever closer to an immediate return to the Championship, a fate close to sealed after Eddie Nketiah’s last minute equaliser at the Emirates Stadium and Joe Willock following suit for Newcastle against Liverpool.

Scott Parker has failed to oversee a successful campaign for Fulham, who have undergone a total overhaul of their lineup and style throughout the season, including the additions of loan players to aid their plight.

A few have garnered some interest from afar but closer to home Joachim Andersen has been earning strong reviews in the heart of defence. On loan from Lyon, the 24-year-old has been one of few bright sparks in a very dim season for Fulham.

Arsenal eye Joachim Andersen in summer transfer window from Fulham as David Luiz replacement

With it growing increasingly unlikely that Arsenal will renew David Luiz’s contract for another season, eyes are being cast to west London where both the Gunners and West Ham are keen on a permanent deal for the Danish defender, reports the Mirror.

Lyon are feeling the pinch financially as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, with their willing to sell met by Andersen’s desire to stay in the Premier League.

Both William Saliba and Konstantinos Mavropanos are due back in north London in the summer to add depth in the right side of central defence, although the duo are either entirely inexperienced in English football or mostly so.

However, Saliba has shown he has the ability to cement his place in that position. It’s irrelevant whether he’s playing in Ligue 1 or not, his stats are phenomenal and Nice are undeniably improved since he arrived. As for Mavropanos he’s been equally impressive, although that form is more ideal for selling, not reintegrating.

Rob Holding is a decent defender, but never going to push Arsenal up a gear. With Luiz potentially on the move, Mikel Arteta could do far worse than Andersen, who has had an impressive season despite Fulham’s woes.

Ligue 1 clubs are in financial disarray and it’s a market that must be exploited.