Borussia Dortmund withdraw interest in Armel Bella-Kotchap

Borussia Dortmund have decided to pull out of the race to sign Germany international Armel Bella-Kotchap from Southampton.

Armel Bella-Kotchap will not be joining Borussia Dortmund, with Sky Sport claiming that the proposed move has now fallen through. The report adds that Southampton’s asking price made the 21 year old too expensive for the Black and Yellows.

Borussia Dortmund were hoping to sign Bella-Kotchap on transfer deadline day to bolster their defensive ranks. An initial loan deal with an option or obligation to buy was discussed with Southampton.

Bella-Kotchap was keen to join Borussia Dortmund and it was even reported that an agreement had been reached on personal terms. But ultimately, the BVB bosses decided to pull out of the race for the highly rated defender’s signature. Bayern Munich have also been linked with a move for the centre-back in recent weeks.

The decision to withdraw from the race to sign Armel Bella-Kotchap means that Borussia Dortmund will go into the first half the season with Nico Schlotterbeck, Niklas Süle and Mats Hummels as the only centre-backs in their first-team.

Emre Can and Ramy Bensebaini are also capable of playing in that role, but Edin Terzic will certainly be hoping that his defenders can steer clear of injuries.

Instead of pursuing a move for a new defender, Borussia Dortmund decided to bolster their attacking ranks with the signing of Niclas Füllkrug. The 30 year old striker completed his move to BVB from Werder Bremen on Thursday evening for a fee of around 15 million euros.