Arsenal have kept tabs on Kyle Walker-Peters over the last year, with Southampton’s relegation to the Championship confirmed this weekend.

The Athletic report that as Southampton failed to make progress on a new contract for Kyle Walker-Peters last summer, several suitors monitored his situation.

The outlet write that most notably, Arsenal kept tabs on the full-back, and he’d seemingly be a good fit for Mikel Arteta’s side. His versatility as a player capable of playing on either flank is particularly intriguing.

Arsenal’s 12-month interest in Kyle Walker-Peters

This isn’t completely new information, with David Ornstein reporting last July that Arsenal had Walker-Peters on their shortlist for the right-back position. The Gunners didn’t end up making a signing in the position.

Walker-Peters is one of a number of Southampton players who will hope to be on the move this summer, with the team now set to be relegated to the Championship after an 11 year run in the Premier League.

A 2-0 (Vinicius, Mitrovic) defeat at home to Fulham on Saturday sealed their fate with the Saints sitting in 20th place on 24 points after 36 games, with a -35 goal difference.

Everton, in 17th place, have 32 points with three left to play.

Now, the vultures will start to tighten their circle.

Kyle Walker-Peters season so far

Walker-Peters has made 36 appearances for Southampton in all competitions this season, despite a couple of hamstring injuries in the middle of the campaign.

He’s started their last 12 Premier League fixtures, either playing at right-back or left-back.

The biggest positive of Southampton’s campaign was undoubtedly the run to the League Cup semi-final, and Walker-Peters played 90 minutes as they knocked Manchester City out in the quarters.

But it is now confirmed as a campaign to forget, and will act as the catalyst for a firesale at Southampton.

Other right-backs Arsenal are rumoured to be interested in

Arsenal are  reportedly considering reinforcing its right-back options by targeting Ajax’s Devyne Rensch and Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda.

Rensch, a versatile 20-year-old defender who has made 33 appearances for Ajax this season, is also being pursued by Brighton & Hove Albion and Sevilla.

Arsenal need to strengthen this position as Mikel Arteta reportedly plans to move Ben White back to a central defensive position, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, currently sidelined due to injury, has struggled to stay fit since signing.

Rensch has a market value of approximately €8m and is regarded as a rising star in professional football. Despite some criticism of his performance, his versatility and potential are seen as attractive traits.

Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly leading the race for Rensch, but Arsenal’s interest could potentially impact the transfer negotiations.

The Gunners are also eyeing 18-year-old Real Valladolid star Ivan Fresneda, who has expressed his desire to play for one of the ‘best teams in the world’.

The promising defender has impressed in his debut season in La Liga, attracting attention from top European clubs, including Borussia Dortmund.

Fresneda, who has been learning English and German in preparation for a potential move, has shown his adaptability by playing as a forward and winger before settling into the right-back position.

Valladolid may be open to selling Fresneda in the summer, with a release clause of €30 million in his contract.