Arsenal told €45m price for Bundesliga defender Real Madrid want

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Stuttgart have put a number on one of the Bundesliga's most coveted young defenders — and Arsenal now know exactly what it would take to sign Finn Jeltsch.

The 20-year-old centre-back has continued his rapid rise in Germany, where he is already rated among the best defenders in his age bracket. Arsenal are one of several clubs tracking him, having scouted the youngster for some time.

According to Sport Witness, Stuttgart are aware that Jeltsch has become one of the hottest properties on the market and are waiting for serious clubs to make offers — something they expect to happen soon. The report states the Bundesliga club have set an asking price of €45million, a fee they expect to be met before they sanction any exit.

Real Madrid in the mix

Arsenal are not operating in isolation here. Real Madrid are also said to be keen on adding Jeltsch to their squad, and the Spanish giants remain one of the most attractive destinations in world football for young talent.

That competition changes the calculation. The report suggests Arsenal are aware of the need to act quickly if they want to be genuine contenders for his signature, with several clubs monitoring his development closely.

The €45m figure could potentially be negotiated, but Jeltsch's own performances may work against any buyer. If he keeps producing at his current level and more clubs join the race, Stuttgart would be in a position to demand more — and a bidding war would only push the final fee higher than their present valuation.

A familiar type of target

Arsenal's recruitment under the current regime has leaned heavily towards signing young players with high ceilings rather than finished articles, and a 20-year-old central defender already holding down Bundesliga minutes fits that profile neatly.

It is worth noting where the story originates. Sport Witness typically aggregate and translate reporting from overseas outlets rather than break scoops themselves, so this is best treated as an indication of Stuttgart's stance rather than confirmation that a deal is in motion. There is no suggestion at this stage that Arsenal have made a formal approach.

What the report does establish is a price tag and a timeline. Stuttgart are braced for offers, they have named their number, and they believe interest will crystallise in the near future.

The decision now sits with Arsenal: commit early at €45m, or wait and risk the valuation climbing while Real Madrid and others circle.

With Stuttgart expecting concrete bids sooner rather than later, the coming weeks should reveal whether the Gunners' long-running interest in Jeltsch translates into serious action.