Arsenal now ‘like’ in-form defender amid injury crisis, deal could be difficult

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Arsenal are in the market for a defender amid an injury crisis within the back line, and have been linked with Girona star Miguel Gutierrez.

Girona are flying in La Liga, and are level on points with Real Madrid at the top of the table, with Gutierrez playing a huge part in their astonishing form.

The Spaniard joined from Real Madrid in 2022, but Los Blancos retained 50% of his rights and a sell-on clause.

Jakub Kiwior has struggled at left-back since stepping in for Oleksandr Zinchenko, with Takehiro Tomiyasu at the Asia Cup and Jurrien Timber injured, and Arsenal are now searching for extra cover at the back.

Arsenal have interest in Miguel Gutierrez of Girona

Transfer expert Alex Crook has now told GIVEMESPORT that whilst Arsenal are interested in a defender, their financial fair play constraints will make a deal difficult.

“They’ve got a couple of left-backs they like. The boy Gutierrez at Girona, and also Hato at Ajax,” he stated.

“I think they may be more with a view to the summer. I don’t think they’ve got loads of money to spend in this window, Arsenal.”

Arsenal would find it difficult to sign Miguel Gutierrez

If Real Madrid are keen on bringing Gutierrez back to the Santiago Bernabeu, as they did with Fran Garcia in the summer, they will be able to sign him at a heavily reduced cost given that they still own 50% of his rights.

If they do not, Girona would be able to charge a premium, as they would only receive a fraction of any transfer fee received, and club President Pere Guardiola recently stated that they do not intend to sell any players in the middle of a title race.

This is unfortunate, as Gutierrez would be an excellent addition for Arsenal. The 22-year-old full-back is outstanding going forward, having recently helped destroy Barcelona with a goal in a 4-2 victory, and his strong ability on the ball would make him well-suited to covering for Zinchenko as either a touchline or inverted left-back.

His speed could also see him play on the wing, with Ian Wright highlighting how Arsenal have few pacey options when Gabriel Martinelli is absent.

Arsenal need to add a defender to the squad in the January window given their lack of depth, but if they are still looking in the summer, then their interest in Gutierrez will likely remain if Real Madrid do not look to bring him back.