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talo of Dinamo Zagreb poses for a photograph with the UEFA Player of the Match after the final whistle of the UEFA Champions League group E match between Dinamo Zagreb and FC Salzburg at Stadion Maksimir on October 11, 2022 in Zagreb, Croatia. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)
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Arsenal make €20m+ bid for 23yo Croatian
By DailyCannon -Aug 3, 2023
The battle for Dinamo Zagreb’s star defender Josip Sutalo intensifies as Arsenal reportedly lodges a bid exceeding €20m, amidst interest from several top European clubs.

Croatia’s defender #24 Josip Sutalo controls the ball during the Qatar 2022 World Cup football third place play-off match between Croatia and Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on December 17, 2022.

Croatia’s defender #24 Josip Sutalo controls the ball during the Qatar 2022 World Cup football third place play-off match between Croatia and Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha .

The scramble for Dinamo Zagreb’s standout defender, Josip Sutalo, is escalating as Arsenal steps into the contest with a reported bid over €20m.

A multitude of clubs, including Fiorentina, Napoli, RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham and Ajax, have also expressed their interest in the 23-year-old Croatian, with some also placing bids.

Dinamo Zagreb remain unphased by all this, happy to watch Sutalo’s market value rise whilst concentrating on their Champions League playoff matches.

Although numerous clubs have submitted bids, none have succeeded in sealing a deal with Zagreb to this point who are believed to want €25m or more for the player.

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As reported by TuttoMercatoWeb, the Zagreb side are in no hurry to let go of their star defender.

Croatia’s defender #24 Josip Sutalo takes part in a training session at Al Erssal Training Site 3 in Doha on December 15, 2022, ahead of their third place play-off match against Morocco on December 17 during the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament. (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

While Fiorentina currently leads the pursuit in Italy, it’s doubtful that Serie A clubs will significantly up their bids beyond what has already been placed.

Herein lies a potential financial advantage for Arsenal, who, after scouting Sutalo extensively throughout 2023, have now shown concrete interest in signing him.

The Gunners’ interest in the ball-playing defender has been long-standing, dating back to 2022, following his performances at Dinamo Zagreb.

Even though a €25m price tag for what is likely to be a squad player may seem hefty, it matches the amount Arsenal paid for Jakub Kiwior in January.

Croatia’s defender Josip Sutalo heads the ball during the UEFA Nations League final football match between Croatia and Spain at the De Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam on June 18, 2023.

Croatia’s defender Josip Sutalo heads the ball during the UEFA Nations League final football match between Croatia and Spain at the De Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam on June 18, 2023. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)
With Arsenal’s defence likely to undergo changes before the transfer window shuts, bringing in Sutalo could be a calculated move following the summer recruitment of Jurrien Timber.

Sutalo of Dinamo Zagreb poses for a photograph with the UEFA Player of the Match after the final whistle of the UEFA Champions League group E match between Dinamo Zagreb and FC Salzburg at Stadion Maksimir on October 11, 2022 in Zagreb, Croatia. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)
ArsenalArsenal Gossip
Arsenal make €20m+ bid for 23yo Croatian
By DailyCannon -Aug 3, 2023
The battle for Dinamo Zagreb’s star defender Josip Sutalo intensifies as Arsenal reportedly lodges a bid exceeding €20m, amidst interest from several top European clubs.