Arsenal are reportedly looking at the Eredivisie for a Hector Bellerin replacement in the January transfer window, and fans have a few ideas for possible targets.
Bellerin was stretchered off during Arsenal’s game against Chelsea last weekend, leaving Unai Emery with a big problem at right-back. Stephan Lichtsteiner has been underperforming all season, and his contract comes to an end this summer anyway. Carl Jenkinson is an option, but it seems unlikely he’s going to suddenly get league starts.
That leaves Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who is inexperienced at right-back and better off playing in midfield. As a result, Arsenal might be best off investing in an alternative this month, at least on loan.
According to Kike Marin, that’s exactly what the club are planning to do, and they’re looking to the Eredivisie to bring someone in:
https://twitter.com/Kike_Marin_/status/1088845019295948800
Marin doesn’t make it clear which player Arsenal are looking at in particular, but the fans had some ideas in the replies. Let’s have a look at their suggestions:
Denzel Dumfries
— Manrique Castillo (@manrocastillo) January 26, 2019
Dumfries was by far the most popular suggestion from Arsenal supporters. The 22-year-old plays right-back for PSV Eindhoven, scoring three goals and assisting three in 27 games this season. He also made his debut for the Netherlands in October last year, and he’s up to three appearances for the national team so far.
However, he has a contract until 2023 and only joined PSV in the summer, so a move at this stage seems fairly unlikely.
Mazraoui?
— AFC (@arsenal_014) January 25, 2019
Noussair Mazraoui was also suggested by a couple of different people. The 21-year-old plays for Ajax and he’s having a great season so far.
According to WhoScored, his biggest strengths are his passing and dribbling, but he also has a strong ability to create chances and hold onto the ball, with no statistically significant weaknesses to his game. In 26 appearances he’s scored four goals, including two in the Champions League, and provided one assist.
Mazraoui’s contract isn’t quite as long, only lasting until 2021.
Rasmus kristensen
— Ian annuar (@annuar_ian) January 26, 2019
Finally, Rasmus Kristensen is another potential option. Currently playing backup to Mazraoui, Kristensen has nonetheless impressed when he has been given a chance. The 21-year-old has five assists in 11 matches, which is as a result of his strong crossing and key passes. The 6’1″ full-back is also good in the air.
Kristensen has a contract until 2022, but his role as a backup might help convince him to force a move.
We’ll see if Arsenal do end up pursuing any of the above options in the final week of the January transfer window.