Monaco vice-president, Vadim Vasilyev, has publicly praised Djibril Sidibe’s decision to reject Arsenal in search for regular first-team minutes.

The 24-year-old fullback turned down a move to north London last summer, saying he was unsure about taking such a risk at the time. Despite this, he has remained vocal about his aspirations to someday play in the Premier League.

Naturally this term he’s impressed as Monaco maintain their Ligue 1 title charge. Sidibe has played 38 matches across all competitions already and given his consistent defensive displays, is attracting interest across Europe.

sidibe as1
Guingamp’s French-Congolese defender Jordan Ikoko (L) vies with Monaco’s French defender Djibril Sidibe during the French L1 football match Guingamp (EAG) vs Monaco (ASM) on February 25, 2017 at the Roudourou stadium in Guingamp, western France. (Picture source: Fred Tenneau / AFP / Getty Images)

Vasilyev said, “That is part of life as a turn-over club. That some players come in and go out, that is part of our project.

Sidibé preferred Monaco to Arsenal, now he is in the French national team and can join the top European clubs. He deserves it,” he continued.

Arsenal’s European pedigree in tatters?

That final comment is particularly cutting – ‘Can join top European clubs’. Given the Gunners’ poor record against big clubs in the Champions League over the past decade, it’s unsurprising.

It also makes you wonder whether other top players feel the same way too.

The fact that Sidibe is a versatile defender that can play in different positions highlights why Arsenal wanted him.

Nacho Monreal has been poor all season long whilst Kieran Gibbs doesn’t get enough opportunities despite Monreal’s form and his own injury issues. Despite that, the club were still unable to soothe Sidibie’s fears over playing time.