Arsenal round-up: Gunners eye double defensive swoop; Loan move for talented youngster?

Arsenal’s transfer activity is continuing to pick-up as they aim to make up for the missed opportunity that was the Premier League title this year. Following the signing of Granit Xhaka, his international team-mate may be next to arrive at the Emirates. Wolfsburg left-back Ricardo Rodriguez is with the recent new signing on Switzerland duty ahead of the Euros and, according to German news outlet Kicker, he is interested in joining his compatriot in North London.

A reported £19 million release clause is interesting the Gunners, who may seize on the chance to bag one of the best left-backs in Europe. Rodriguez is a dead-ball specialist: often dangerous from free-kicks and ensured with penalty ownership, as he proved when he converted in Wolfsburg’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid earlier this season.

His best return for the German outfit came in 2014/15 with 10 goals and five assists in 39 games from full-back as they finished runners-up. He earned a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season and his reputation has grown since.  A threat going forward, providing width and an excellent delivery for his side, he is also capable defending – something missing from a lot of full-backs today.

This adds up to a good purchase for Arsenal, adding quality to their left-back options, with Kieran Gibbs’ days look numbered if this indeed does go through.  Gibbs was improving very well up to his superb performance in the 2014 FA Cup final win over Hull. He was becoming a valuable squad member, but his status has since declined. Now, he is easily out-placed in the team by Nacho Monreal.  

Additionally, a loan move for England Toulon Tournament winner Calum Chambers could see Arsenal move in for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, if reports by the Telegraph are to be believed.  Manager Maurizio Sarri has transformed the fortunes of the Senegalese international in Naples and, as such, the 6ft 5 mobile centre-half has become one of the hottest defensive properties in Europe.  The 24 year-old was recording career best statistics in the Napoli back-line that conceded just 32 goals this season – a stat bettered by only Serie A winners Juventus.

Koulibaly is quick, strong and positions himself effectively – helping him win an average of 2.8 aerial duels per game and 2.7 interceptions per match. He draws comparisons to Kolo Toure when he first arrived at Arsenal and Sarri seems to have taken him under his wing, just as Wenger did with Toure.  Just like the Ivorian, Koulibaly is a terrific athlete and superb in one-on-one situations. He could form a very good partnership with Laurent Koscielny.  

His arrival could see him replace Per Mertersacker as starting centre-half, with the German becoming more of a target for the opposition due to his lack of pace.  Chambers will gain experience and game time on loan in the Premier League while Gabriel represents a steady back-up in the first team. A move seems to suit Arsenal very much. 

Elsewhere, the International Business Times suggest Barcelona have been looking at Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin. Indeed, the Catalan outfit are rumoured to have enquired about the services of the Spaniard in the last few days, with Dani Alves looking set for an exit. However, Arsenal have immediately rebuffed any chance of a move as Arsene Wenger is keen to keep the improving right back.  

And finally, number two keeper David Ospina is once again linked with a move to Turkey, this time league champions Besiktas.  (http://www.90min.com/posts/3273761-david-ospina-closes-in-on-emirates-exit-as-interest-from-besiktas-increases)  A move to Fenerbache was on the cards last season, but with Petr Cech’s injury, Ospina proved to be a reliable stand-in during 2016.

Featured image: All rights reserved by Subir Thapa