Arsenal’s summer transfer window is heating up as the club edges closer to securing a major addition to their defensive unit. The Gunners have reportedly reached a verbal agreement to sign Ecuadorian centre-back Joel Ordonez from Belgian side Club Brugge. The 20-year-old has caught the attention of several European heavyweights, but it appears Arsenal are in pole position to land his signature.
With Dean Huijsen’s move to Real Madrid all but confirmed, Arsenal have swiftly shifted their attention to Ordonez. Despite the disappointment of missing out on Huijsen, the Gunners remain undeterred in their mission to bolster the backline with young, high-potential talent. Their interest in Ordonez underlines a long-term vision at the club, aiming to develop and mould emerging players into elite-level contributors.
Ordonez has been a standout performer in Belgium, praised for his strong physical presence, aerial dominance, and tactical maturity that belies his age. Arsenal scouts have been monitoring his progress closely over the past season, with manager Mikel Arteta said to be impressed by the young defender’s calmness under pressure and ability to play out from the back.