Arsenal’s summer transfer activities are gaining momentum, with the club reportedly nearing the acquisition of promising Ecuadorian defender Joel Ordonez from Belgian outfit Club Brugge.
The 20-year-old centre-back has impressed across Europe with his mature performances, drawing attention from top clubs, but it’s Arsenal who appear closest to finalising a deal.
A verbal agreement has already been reached, with talks progressing positively.
This move comes after Arsenal missed out on Spanish defender Dean Huijsen, who is set to join Real Madrid.
Despite that setback, the Gunners have quickly redirected their focus towards Ordonez, underlining their determination to strengthen their defensive options with young, high-potential talent.
The club’s recruitment strategy under Mikel Arteta clearly reflects a long-term vision aimed at nurturing emerging prospects and integrating them into the first team.
Ordonez has gained recognition in the Belgian Pro League for his physicality, dominance in aerial duels, and composure beyond his years.
Arteta is reportedly a strong admirer of the youngster’s ability to remain calm under pressure and his skill in initiating attacks from the back.
Arsenal scouts have closely followed his development, and the club sees him as a valuable addition to their squad.
Initial reports suggested a transfer fee of around £22 million, but recent updates indicate that the total cost could rise to £25 million.
Even at that figure, Arsenal believe Ordonez represents great value considering his potential and readiness to contribute to the team.
He is expected to compete for a place alongside existing defenders William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Jakub Kiwior, boosting the squad’s depth and defensive stability.
Although Arsenal have made significant progress, they now face competition from Paris Saint-Germain, who have entered the race for the Ecuadorian.
The French giants’ interest has added a layer of complexity to negotiations, pushing Arsenal to accelerate their efforts to seal the transfer.
Nevertheless, Arsenal remain confident. Their early engagement with Ordonez and his representatives has positioned them as front-runners.
The club’s track record of giving young players first-team opportunities is believed to be a major attraction for the player, who is enthusiastic about the prospect of joining Arteta’s setup.
Star winger Bukayo Saka has further fueled excitement by publicly expressing his support for the signing.
In a recent social media post, he shared his anticipation, stating, “I can’t wait to play with him next season,” giving fans a glimpse into the positive energy within the squad.
Overall, Ordonez’s arrival is part of a broader plan to build a dynamic, youthful Arsenal team capable of challenging at the highest level in England and Europe.
His relatively modest fee also allows the club to invest further in reinforcing other key areas, particularly midfield and attack, as they prepare for a demanding season ahead.
