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.
2Ryan Sessegnon
- Age: 18
- Current club: Fulham FC
- Contract until: 2020
- Market value: £31.5m
18-year-old Sessegnon is one of the rising stars of English football. Despite his age, he’s already made 96 appearances for Fulham, scoring 24 goals and assisting 13.
The youngster can play anywhere along the left-hand side, and he’s split his time between left-back and left-midfield/wing this season.
That could suit Arsenal perfectly, given their play style involves full-backs getting forward a lot. For example, Hector Bellerin was a right-winger before he joined the club.
According to Goal, Arsenal have been “keeping a close eye” on Sessegnon. They aren’t the only ones though. Reports late last year suggested Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham have all spent time scouting the youngster since his breakthrough.
That interest is only going to have increased now that he’s playing regularly in the Premier League. It wouldn’t be easy to sign the Fulham man, but it could be well worth it if he reaches his potential.
Click ‘Next’ for more Arsenal-linked left-backs ahead of the January transfer window