Arsenal’s right-back search has taken a surprising twist.
Ben White’s future at the Emirates remains uncertain, with the England defender attracting interest from clubs across the Premier League, Europe and the Middle East.
His knee ligament injury at the end of last season has complicated any immediate sale, but Arsenal are pressing ahead with plans to strengthen at right-back regardless.
The Gunners have been linked with a number of options, including Ivan Fresneda, Oscar Mingueza, Wesley, and Vanderson.
Tino Livramento was their top target for the position but his injury record and Newcastle’s asking price have kept him on the back burner.
Finish the sentence: The most Arsenal should pay to sign Tino Livramento is £__m
Barcelona’s Jules Kounde has emerged as an option too, while Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa is wanted for defensive cover.
But the most surprising name to crop up is former Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Arsenal are considering a move for Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Wan-Bissaka is expected to be available this summer following West Ham’s relegation to the Championship.
The Hammers are open to selling the 28-year-old, whose contract runs until 2031, and have set an asking price of £25million, according to The Athletic.
Wan-Bissaka, made started all four games for DR Congo in the World Cup, is known for his strong one-on-one defending ability.
That is exactly what appealed during his Crystal Palace days before Manchester United splashed £50million on the defender.
However, he endured a difficult spell at Old Trafford, which has somewhat dulled the praise around him.
According to teamTALK, Arsenal’s recruitment staff believe Wan-Bissaka’s profile would complement Jurrien Timber well, offering Mikel Arteta a reliable defensive option capable of handling elite wide players.
Signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka could particularly benefit Gabriel Martinelli
The transfer link might raise eyebrows but there is something worth talking about here.
Wan-Bissaka is an incredible one-on-one defender, able to stop wingers in their tracks, staying tight, and using his recovery pace to win back seemingly lost causes.
When he played for United, he famously locked down Kylian Mbappe in the Champions League, helping his side win at the Parc des Princes.
For someone like Gabriel Martinelli, training every day against a defender like this could be particularly beneficial.
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Martinelli’s output has dipped considerably over the past couple of seasons, and part of that is a lack of conviction and directness in his dribbling.
Coming up against Wan-Bissaka in training every day would surely iron out this aspect of his game.
The best wingers become better by going up against the best defenders. If Martinelli is staying at Arsenal, he could hardly ask for a tougher daily test.
Now, whether Wan-Bissaka is truly the answer at right-back for a club of Arsenal’s ambitions is a different debate.
But the side benefits of signing him could be more apparent than they first appear.
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