According to a report from Simon Collings of the Evening Standard, Arsenal are considering a move for Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand.
Bertrand’s contract with the Saints has just six months remaining on it, with the Gunners reportedly keen on a move.
Ryan Bertrand a Target for Arsenal
Arsenal Looking for Left-Back Cover
The Gunners are said to be in the market for a left-back after the departure of Sead Kolasinac earlier this month. With Kolasinac’s departure, Arsenal are lacking in the left-back position.
They are currently relying on the fitness of Kieran Tierney, someone who has not always had the best injury record. The Scotsman arrived at the Emirates injured and has since spent a considerable time on the sidelines. Yet, Tierney is key to the Gunners system and has been influential in their recent form. As a result, Mikel Arteta must find adequate back up in this area.
But it appears that Southampton will not be willing to sanction a move for Bertrand this month. He is currently the only senior left-back in the Saints’ squad. However, with only six months left on his contract, Arsenal are keeping tabs on his situation and will look to sign him this summer. Given his contract situation, his age and experience – Bertrand appears a perfect fit for Arsenal.
Reinforcements Required
The Gunners were without Kieran Tierney in their 0-0 home draw with Crystal Palace. They looked a lot weaker going forward and lacked the directness and power of Tierney down the left-hand side. Talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also looked less dangerous without his supporting act. Ainsley Maitland-Niles was deployed as a makeshift full-back. However, the game only highlighted the dangers of having a squad without natural replacements in all positions.
Only a year ago, Arsenal signed right-back Cedric Soares from Southampton who was also in the latter stages of his Saints contract. We could see Arsenal return to the negotiation table with a Southampton full-back, only this time for the left-hand-side.
There is a long list of left-back targets for the Gunners. Tyrick Mitchell of Crystal Palace is said to be among the names of potential reinforcements. Several Premier League sides are said to be interested in the English youngster.
Recent departures from the Emirates have opened the door in terms of in-comings for the North London side. Mat Ryan has arrived from Brighton on loan and they are expected to be busy in the final week of the window. A left-back in Bertrand and an attacking midfielder in Martin Ødegaard are on the list.
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