Report: Borussia Dortmund want to sign Armel Bella-Kotchap on initial loan deal

Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing Armel Bella-Kotchap, but financial constraints mean that they would prefer an initial loan deal.

Signing a new centre-back is on top of Borussia Dortmund’s list of priorities for the rest of the transfer window. The Black and Yellows only have three senior centre-backs in their first-team ranks at the moment. So the need to add more depth at centre-back is obvious.

It was claimed on Saturday that Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap is BVB’s top target as they look to bolster their defence. But WAZ are now reporting that due to economic reasons, Borussia Dortmund would only be able to sign the Germany international on an initial loan deal.

Bella-Kotchap joined Southampton last summer, but could leave the club this month following their relegation from the English Premier League. A fee in the region of 20 million euros has been mentioned, which could well make the 21 year old too expensive for BVB.

Borussia Dortmund are also interested in signing a new back-up striker and a new right-back. But the lack of player sales could derail those plans as well.

Armel Bella-Kotchap made his Bundesliga breakthrough with Borussia Dortmund’s neighbours VfL Bochum, before moving to Southampton last summer. He has made a total of 26 appearances for the English club, and was also called up to the Germany squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

With the European Championship now approaching, getting regular playing time will likely be the main goal for Bella-Kotchap this season. And that will certainly not be guaranteed at Borussia Dortmund, with the likes of Nico Schlotterbeck, Niklas Süle and Mats Hummels fighting for spots.