Rumoured Arsenal target, Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy, returns to training, sparking transfer speculation. With a lowered price tag, could the Gunners swoop in?

Arsenal transfer news - Frankfurt's German midfielder Sebastian Rode (L) and Real Madrid's French defender Ferland Mendy vie for the ball during the UEFA Super Cup football match between Real Madrid vs Eintracht Frankfurt in Helsinki, on August 10, 2022. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)
Frankfurt’s German midfielder Sebastian Rode (L) and Real Madrid’s French defender Ferland Mendy vie for the ball during the UEFA Super Cup football match between Real Madrid vs Eintracht Frankfurt in Helsinki, on August 10, 2022. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s left-back, Ferland Mendy, has returned to full training, according to L’Équipe.

The French international, who’s had a challenging season marked by frequent muscle injuries, is expected to be in contention for Madrid’s LaLiga game against Getafe on Saturday.

His last appearance was during El Clásico against Barcelona in March.

Arsenal’s hunt for left-back solution leads to Ferland Mendy

Arsenal transfer news - Real Madrid's French defender Ferland Mendy eyes the ball during the international friendly football match between Real Madrid and Juventus at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on July 30, 2022 (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s French defender Ferland Mendy eyes the ball during the international friendly football match between Real Madrid and Juventus at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on July 30, 2022 (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

The Gunners have had their sights on Mendy since 2018, reflecting their long-standing requirement for a robust left-back.

With Mendy’s price reportedly lowered to £17.5 million, the North London side could seize the opportunity to secure a proven talent for a competitive price.

Mendy’s return to training sparks Arsenal transfer buzz

Mendy’s return to training has undoubtedly piqued Arsenal’s interest, with the Frenchman fitting into Mikel Arteta’s strategic recruitment approach that emphasises squad depth and versatility.

The 27-year-old’s versatility would provide Arteta with various options in defence and midfield.

Interestingly, Tottenham was the initial Premier League destination suggested for Mendy.

However, with the club unlikely to feature in Europe next season, let alone the Champions League, Arsenal have emerged as a more desirable destination.

Potential impact of Mendy’s transfer on Arsenal’s line-up

Should Mendy make the move to the Emirates, he would be competing with Oleksandr Zinchenko for the left-back position.

This is particularly pertinent given the uncertainty surrounding Kieran Tierney’s future at the club.

As the summer transfer window looms, Arsenal’s pursuit of Ferland Mendy could significantly bolster their bid for Premier League glory next season.

With the player back in training, fans will be eager to see how this transfer saga unfolds.