Arsenal to battle PL rival over left-back target available in bargain 2024 deal

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Arsenal are targeting a defender to address their lack of defensive depth, and have now been linked with Roma defender Leonardo Spinazzola.

The 30-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, and seemingly has no intention of signing a new deal, putting clubs on high alert during the January transfer window.

Arsenal have been linked alongside Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, but it is currently unclear what kind of fee would be needed to land him now, or whether the clubs are prepared to wait until the end of the season.

Arsenal are interested in Leonardo Spinazzola

A report from Rome-based outlet La Roma 24 has revealed that Arsenal and Aston Villa have “shown interest” in Spinazzola because of his contract situation.

The Italian has made 17 appearances for Jose Mourinho’s side this season, scoring once and providing three assists from a left-wing-back position.

Arsenal are targeting left-sided defenders amid an injury crisis at the back. Oleksandr Zinchenko has missed the last two games, Takehiro Tomiyasu is competing in the Asia Cup and Jurrien Timber is set to miss most of the season.

Jakub Kiwior has struggled on the flanks, and there is a critically low level of depth across the back line.

Could Arsenal sign Spinazzola?

The wing-back was one of the most impressive performers in the early stages of Euro 2020, but picked up a long-term injury during the tournament.

Given his age and injury record, he would certainly be a stop-gap signing to address the lack of depth with a limited budget in this transfer window.

If he is only to move in the summer, then Arsenal should avoid this deal. Signing older, injury-prone defenders has rarely worked in the past, with Stephan Lichtsteiner, Cedric Soares and Sokratis proving to be poor additions.

Spinazzola thrives going forward, and typically plays as a wing-back in a midfield five. Adjusting to a back four may prove difficult, and he would likely not raise the quality of Arsenal’s defence.

Unless Arsenal become more desperate later in the window and no other option presents itself, Spinazzola is a player Arsenal should not sign in this January window.

Zinchenko was criticised for his defensive ability prior to his injury, and given his attacking nature, Spinazzola would likely face the same criticism. Although a top player when he was in his prime, he is now beyond the age where he could prove to be a useful long-term signing for Mikel Arteta.