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Arsenal plot swoop to sign Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi

By on January 29, 2026

Arsenal are reportedly planning to make a move to sign SC Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi, as per transfer journalist Ekrem Konur.

The 20-year-old started his youth career at Swiss side Servette before joining the German team back in 2023. He made his first team debut a couple of years ago before establishing himself as a key starter this season.

In 26 appearances across all competitions, the youngster has scored four goals and registered two assists thus far this campaign. Moreover, he has been helping his side to push for a European place finish in the Bundesliga.

After displaying glimpses of his qualities at Europa-Park-Stadion, Manzambi has secured his place in Murat Yakin’s Switzerland squad.

Now, Konur reports that Arsenal are planning to add depth to their engine room this year and have identified Manzambi as an ideal option, having been impressed by his recent eye-catching performances.

The youngster is dubbed as ‘Modern-Day Gladiator,’ and his recent promising performances haven’t just attracted Arsenal’s attention, as Manchester United, Chelsea, FC Bayern Munich, Napoli, and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in him.

Man Utd have shown the strongest interest in signing the Swiss, with the 20-time English champions prioritising revamping the midfield department next summer.

Manzambi to Arsenal

With Manzambi’s existing deal set to run until 2030, Freiburg aren’t in any rush to sell him and have slapped a £43m price tag on his head. If any club decide to seal the deal by spending that much, it would break the German side’s record sale.

Manzambi is a box-to-box midfielder by trait but is also comfortable in the defensive midfield position. Furthermore, he can provide cover in the creative midfield role if needed.

He is strong, technically sound, quick across the ground, can make surging runs from deep, is efficient in playing threading passes between the lines, and is also strong in defensive contributions.

Manzambi is a talented player and could be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal with a view to the long-term future should they purchase him. However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually make a concrete approach to secure his services this year.