By SABC Sport
29th December 2023
The 24-year-old centre-back, signed by Dortmund just last year from SC Freiburg for ¬25 million, has swiftly become a stalwart in the BVB defence, boasting an impressive 63 appearances across various competitions.
Schlotterbeck's rise as one of Germany's brightest defensive talents has inevitably attracted attention, particularly from the cash-rich English clubs. However, the complexities of his contract and the hefty price tag attached to his acquisition make a January transfer for the Gunners a challenging proposition.
Dortmund, having fended off fierce competition to secure Schlotterbeck's services, value the player highly, evident in the three and a half years remaining on his current contract. This long-term commitment by the German club renders a prompt sale highly improbable, frustrating immediate hopes of an Arsenal swoop.
While Arsenal's interest extends to Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt, a move for the Dutch international in the January transfer window appears equally implausible. The defensive market dynamics present a formidable hurdle for the Gunners, who continue to explore options to fortify their backline.
Dortmund, having strategically secured Schlotterbeck amid competition from elite clubs, envision a future where he forms a defensive triumvirate alongside Niklas Sule and Gregor Kobel.
As the football transfer saga unfolds, the intricate negotiations and contractual intricacies add a layer of suspense to Arsenal's pursuit of the defensive dynamo, Nico Schlotterbeck.