Naldo tipped for Arsenal switch
442 Staff - Wednesday 01 July 2009, 17:23
Werder Bremen defender Naldo could be set for a summer switch to Arsenal, according to the club’s coach Thomas Schaaf.
The 6ft 6in Brazilian has been an ever-present in the Bremen back-line since arriving from Juventude in 2005, scoring 14 times in 124 league appearances, with the towering centre-back helping the Bundesliga side win the German Cup and reach the UEFA Cup final in 2008/09.
Schaaf now fears that the 26-year old’s time at the Weserstadion could be over as a result of his impressive form, and believes that a move to the Emirates Stadium to link up with the Gunners is a genuine possibility.
Manager Arsene Wenger is keen to bolster his defence during the close-season having already secured the services of Ajax star Thomas Vermaelen.
And the Brazilian international, who has featured four times for his country, would almost certainly be welcomed by the North London outfit's support, who are desperate to see Wenger acquire several experienced heads this summer to compliment their vast ranks of talented youngsters.
“Naldo is a great athlete and could do well at the right club. Unfortunately he doesn't fit the direction we're planning to move in any longer," said Schaaf as reported by Sport.co.uk.
"We expect to move him for somewhere in the region of €10 million, and English side Arsenal is, as of now, the most likely destination.”
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