Report: Southampton remain hopeful of keeping Arsenal target

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Southampton remain hopeful of keeping Ryan Bertrand and agreeing a new contract despite interest from Arsenal, according to a report from The Athletic. 

Bertrand’s current deal at St Mary’s expires at the end of the season. And his form has not gone unnoticed elsewhere.

The London Evening Standard reported last week that the Gunners want the 31-year-old. And Arsenal’s correspondent for Goal, Charles Watts claimed on his YouTube channel at the weekend that contact had been made with his representatives.

However, it would appear that the Saints remain optimistic about keeping Bertrand.

The Athletic has now reported that they are hopeful that he will stay and sign a new deal on the south coast.

It would be a big boost for Southampton to keep Bertrand. The full-back has been one of the league’s best left-backs for a number of years.

He has been a leader for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team. And you could understand why a move to the Emirates may not appeal to the Champions League winner at this stage of his career.

Kieran Tierney has been outstanding for Arsenal this season. So it is unlikely that Bertrand – who earns £70,000-a-week, according to Spotrac – would make the same number of appearances for the Gunners as he has done for the Saints.

Of course, Arsenal may continue to hold out hope while a new contract has not been agreed. But it does appear that they will need to look elsewhere if they want to sign a new left-back at some stage in the coming months.