Arsenal vindicated for not meeting PSG’s Layvin Kurzawa demands in January

Add as preferred source on Google

With Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney struggling with injury this season, it looked to be a sensible move for Arsenal to look at signing a new left-back in January – and the player Mikel Arteta seemingly wanted was Layvin Kurzawa.

The Telegraph reported towards the end of the month that the Gunners were in talks with Paris Saint-Germain for Kurzawa.

It was suggested that PSG wanted at least £4.2 million for the 27-year-old, who is out of contract at Parc des Princes at the end of the campaign.

But the deadline passed with Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares the club’s only signings of the window. And just a few weeks later, perhaps it is fair to say that Arsenal have already been vindicated for not meeting PSG’s demands.

Kurzawa had a mixed night on Tuesday as Thomas Tuchel’s men lost to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

There were glimpses of his quality. But there were also times when he appeared to struggle as Dortmund secured a 2-1 lead in the tie.

Meanwhile, at the Emirates, Arsenal fans appear to have had further proof that Bukayo Saka is the real deal.

Saka was outstanding at the weekend as the Gunners beat Newcastle. He now has eight assists this season, more than any other player in Arteta’s squad.

It is remarkable to think that Saka is not even a natural left-back. He appears to have taken to the role extremely easily. And while he may want his future to lie further forward, he has arguably put himself in the permanent pecking order alongside Tierney and Kolasinac.

Of course, Kurzawa may have proved an inspired signing had he joined. He would not have cost a large sum and boasts plenty of experience.

But Arsenal appear to have made the right decision by putting their faith in Saka for the time-being. His form in a less familiar role highlights just how special the 18-year-old could prove to be.