Transfer Centre

Peru international right-back announces desire to play for Arsenal

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 06 May 2024

Silkeborg and Peru right-back Oliver Sonne reveals that he dreams of representing Arsenal or a Serie A side amid his success in Denmark.

A Peru international right-back currently making a name for himself in Denmark has revealed his desire to play for Arsenal one day.

Silkeborg defender Oliver Sonne has established himself as a top-flight regular for the Scandinavian side since joining in 2021, proving himself as an attacking force down the right.

Sonne has conjured up seven goals and 10 assists from 88 appearances in a Silkeborg jersey, including three goals and four assists from 32 matches in the current campaign.

Thanks to the 23-year-old's efforts, Silkeborg qualified for the Championship round of the Danish Superliga season, and Sonne even wore the captain's armband for a 1-0 loss to Aarhus on March 10.

A versatile defender, Sonne has operated as a right-back, left-back and right wing-back for his current club, and despite being born in Denmark, he qualified for Peruvian citizenship through his mother.

Oliver Sonne in action for Silkeborg on September 8, 2022 © Reuters

Sonne: 'It would be a dream to play for Arsenal'

The 6ft defender made his first two appearances for Peru in March, coming off the bench in friendly wins over Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, and he still has two years left to run on his Silkeborg contract.

However, in an interview with Tipsbladet, Sonne issued a come-and-get-me plea to Arsenal, while also stating that he dreams of playing for a Serie A club at some point in the future.

The defender conceded that such an ambitious move may be beyond him at this juncture, though, telling the Danish outlet: "I have been here for three years, and there are times when you want to try new things.

"I would like to play in the Italian league or in Arsenal. It would be a dream of mine, but I don't know if it's possible at the moment. I hope it can become a reality one day."

Could there be room for Sonne at Arsenal?

Arsenal's Cedric Soares pictured in December 2023 © Reuters

As Sonne mentioned, a transfer to the Emirates is probably out of reach for him right now, but Arsenal do stand to lose one of their right-back options when the campaign comes to a close.

The out-of-favour Cedric Soares is out of contract this summer, and having only made five appearances for the Gunners in the 2023-24 season, he will be allowed to depart as a free agent.

The 32-year-old's presence has not been missed, though, thanks to the form and fitness of first-choice right-back Ben White, while Takehiro Tomiyasu provides a competent alternative option as well.

Furthermore, the 2024-25 season should see Jurrien Timber belatedly make his Arsenal breakthrough, as the Dutchman has now fully recovered from an ACL injury and has played a couple of games for the Under-21s.

Timber could also be deployed on the left and right-hand sides of the backline, such is the 22-year-old's versatility, so Sonne's Gunners dream will surely remain a dream for the time being.