The unreliable fitness levels of Arsenal’s left-back options this season could force them into the transfer market this January, but who could they look to sign?

Sead Kolasinac, Nacho Monreal and Ainsley Maitland-Niles haven’t all been fit at the same time at any point so far this campaign.

First, Monreal and Kolasinac were out, then Maitland-Niles suffered a fracture and Stephan Lichtsteiner had to fill in. Then Monreal returned for a while before he and Kolasinac both suffered hamstring injuries at the same time. Kolasinac has returned, but Monreal’s return date just keeps being pushed back every time Arsenal discuss it.

Rumours at the start of the summer suggested Sven Mislintat was interested in a goalkeeper, a centre-back, a holding midfielder and a left-back in the window. He signed three of the four, but the club made no headway on the left-hand side.

It’s hard to argue the injury situation is going to make Arsenal any less likely to go back again this winter. Let’s have a look at who the media believe are on Mislintat’s shortlist.

1Ben Chilwell

CARDIFF, WALES - NOVEMBER 03: Ben Chilwell of Leicester City celebrates his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Cardiff City and Leicester City at Cardiff City Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
CARDIFF, WALES – NOVEMBER 03: Ben Chilwell of Leicester City celebrates his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Cardiff City and Leicester City at Cardiff City Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
  • Age: 21
  • Current club: Leicester City
  • Contract until: 2024
  • Market value: £13.5m

Chilwell has been linked with Arsenal a lot in previous years, and those links have started to resurface this season despite the full-back’s new deal to stay in Leicester.

That’s as a result of the youngster’s impressive Premier League performances, including one against the Gunners, where he forced the opening goal in off Hector Bellerin.

Chilwell is strong in the air, a competent dribbler and a good chance creator, which are important attributes if you’re going to play in an Arsenal team. When the team’s full-backs aren’t making chances, the whole team suffers, as we’ve seen on a few occasions already this season.

If Chilwell is interested in making a step up and Arsenal are willing to pay a premium to buy him out of his contract, he could be worth the investment.

Click ‘Next’ for more Arsenal-linked left-backs ahead of the January transfer window

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