Arsenal: Sidibe Ends Ricardo Ricardo Rodriguez Hopes

Arsenal are in pursuit of a different full back, and according to reports, they are closing in. Say goodbye to wishing that Ricardo Rodriguez was a Gunner.

I like what I see in Djibril Sidibe. He looks like a very talented fullback that I must admit, I hadn’t much considered. Maybe it’s Arsenal’s history with Lille that made me a bit leery (Gervinho?!). But, for as good as Djibril Sidibe looks, Ricardo Rodriguez looks better and, maybe I’m biased, but I’d still rather have him.

Rodriguez is an elite fullback already and he is the same age as Sidibe. Lining him up across from Hector Bellerin would make Arsenal’s flanks a fearsome weapon and that’s not even including whoever suits up on the wings.

But, as is usually the case, when there is the proven, albeit still young, option, he is going to cost more. And apparently, since Arsene Wenger did not lock up him up prior to July 1st, that reasonable release clause of around £20m is now irrelevant. Wolfsburg want more.

So, in all likelihood, we’d see at least a 50% raise on that cost because Wolfsburg know what they have and they have no dire need to sell the guy.

The fact that the deal hasn’t gone through yet, and that it is now past the 1st, already had me trying to come to terms with the fact that the Swiss stalwart probably wasn’t coming to North London. Even though the benefits are endless and his Swiss international room mate, Granit Xhaka, is already here.

But compiling on this should-be acceptance is the new rumors of increasing intensity that Arsenal is going to land a different full back, one Djibril Sidibe, from Lille.

As mentioned, while he is no Ricardo Rodriguez just yet, I must admit that it shouldn’t be that hard to come to terms with this signing, if indeed it happens.

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After all, I’d be a hypocrite if I supported the signing of a potentially £30m fullback when I have constantly advocate for spending only on necessities (see my Julian Draxler argument). Arsenal’s only necessities are striker and central defense. While fullback could potentially be a problem, with Jenkinson’s injury and Kieran Gibbs potential exit/injuries/lack of use, plus Nacho Monreal’s 30 years of age, it is not an immediate necessity. And as we know, Wenger will not spend more than he has to. Ever. He will always penny-pinch to save up that hard-earned cash.

Sidibe is only going to cost around £12m. That is very reasonable for the defensive (and offensive) numbers this guy puts up for a Ligue 1 side. He is only 23, like Rodriguez, so he has a bright future ahead of him.

While Wenger has not addressed two major concerns of the present squad, he does look to be actively shopping for two cheap, minor concerns. Takuma Asano addressed the future concern of striking depth and, should Sidibe happen, that fixes the future problems at fullback as well.

Next: Arsenal Should Have Insider Knowledge On Marquinhos

It’s not what Arsenal are looking for in the present, but it’s something for the future. That’s a start.

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