Arsenal transfer news: Five left-backs the Gunners should target this summer, including Champions League semi-finalist
Arsenal will need to improve next season, despite their top four battle this campaign and their upcoming Europa League semi-final.It is likely we will see several moves in the transfer market from Gunners boss Unai Emery, although it appears his budget may be tighter than he would want.
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6Unai Emery has some thinking to do as the transfer window loomsUpgrades are needed in a couple of areas but it appears left-back is a position which will be focused on once the transfer window opens on July 1, 2019.Currently, the Spanish boss has Sead Kolasinac, the attack-minded Bosnian, and Nacho Monreal, the wily and experienced ex-Malaga man, to choose from, but now a younger model is required.Kolasinac is an excellent squad player but not able to cut it week-in, week-out as a first choice star in an elite side, while Monreal is now 33 years old so hardly a long-term option, despite his contributions in recent years.But who could Arsenal sign this summer as they look to the future at full-back? Find out below.
Nicolas Tagliafico (Ajax)One of the more obvious targets for the Gunners this summer is the Argentine ace, who has bee a valuable member of the Dutch side’s Champions League run.A late bloomer, he only moved to Europe last January but he’s impressed contributed 2.4 tackles per game, two interceptions per game, while also offering good offensive outputs too, with 1.1 key passes per match.The Gunners, though, will face a tough ask landing him with Liverpool, who are set to lose Alberto Moreno, and Inter Milan all interested. His own agent has also admitted a move to Italy appealed to the player.Inter and Italian football are always attractive destinations for Argentine players, said Ricardo Schlieper.Lets not forget, like it was once said, that were Italians who speak Spanish. Everythings very familiar. Its like being at home.
6Ajax ace Nicolas Tagliafico in Champions League action this season.Angelino (PSV Eindhoven)Once on the books at Manchester City, the full-back has flourished in the Eredivisie – and the Champions League.Still only 22 years old, after loan spells at Mallorca and NAC Breda, Angelino has shown his growth by tallying nine league assists this campaign, in part down to his ability at set-pieces.A fine front foot defender, timing his interceptions well and closing down his opponents when they receive the ball to stifle them, Man City might wish they had held onto him.He’s still got improvements to make but he could learn from Nacho Monreal if he joins in the summer and he wouldn’t be the most expensive player either.
6Angelino in action for PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.Alex Telles (Porto)Now 26, the Brazilian has been on the radar of top European clubs for some time now.Both Madrid clubs, Real and Atletico, have had links in recent months as they hunt for improvements, much like Arsenal.He offers excellent contributions offensively with seven assists and three goals, while he averages 2.6 key passes per game, and it’s not a surprise with his whipped crosses and set-pieces. Telles, once of Galatasaray, is handy from the penalty spot too.Chelsea are among rumoured admirers but their transfer ban looks set to rule them out of the running this summer.
6Alex Telles attempts to marshal Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah.Alex Grimaldo (Benfica)Sold by Barcelona in 2015 for a small fee, due to an expiring contract, the Catalans were cunning enough to get a future sale clause in the deal and they should be suitably compensated when he eventually moves on from the Portuguese giants.His took to the Liga NOS with ease but a injury restricted his involvement in 2016/17, this season, he’s only missed one game due to injury and remains a fine performer at the Estadio da Luz, with nine league assists and four goals in the current campaign.Grimaldo plays with intensity and isn’t afraid to get stuck in, while also delivering the kind of technical quality you would expect from a Barcelona academy graduate.Juventus are one of the frontrunners for his signature currently but Arsenal should definitely be keeping tabs on the Spaniard.
6Benfica’s Spanish defender Alex Grimaldo celebrates after scoring a goal against Sporting LisbonFerland Mendy (Lyon)A number of the French side’s young stars could be snapped up in the summer and it won’t be a surprise if Mendy leaves, along with the likes of Tanguy Ndombele and Houssem Aouar.The left-back is proficient with both feet and often receives the ball on his right before moving it onto his left, while his searing pace has defenders constantly on the back foot when he charges forward. He can drag opponents away from his attacking team-mates thanks to these thrusting forays, which could come in very handy, especially against Premier League teams who defend stoically.Mendy’s goal contributions are significantly lower than other possible targets but he offers other threats. Unfortunately for Arsenal they may need to fend off Barcelona if they wish to sign the Frenchman.
6Lyon’s French defender Ferland Mendy in action against Paris Saint-Germain.
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