Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Double Sided Full Back The Perfect Acquisition

Arsene Wenger is never shy to complete a bargain deal for Arsenal. Could a full back that can play on both the left and right be the perfect summer acquisition?

There have been many positions on the lips of Arsenal fans. Whether it be the yearning for a superstar striker, a new midfield destroyer or a flying winger signing. There always seems a be a new transfer demand in the ever evolving game of football.

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One position or pair of positions that has gotten less attention recently is the full back roles. This is mainly due to the fact that Arsenal have arguably had the best full back pairing in the Premier League in Monreal and Bellerin for the past few seasons. However, whispers for signings in this area of the field have increased in volume of late.

At right back, the starting position is of no worry. Bellerin will be rocking it out for the next 10 seasons hopefully so we are set there. It’s the backup option that is a cause of concern. With Jenkinson, Debuchy and Gabriel all failing to convince when given the opportunity, Gooners would like a right back of higher quality to challenge Bellerin.

At left back there is also a concern but in a different way. The two seasons prior to this one, Monreal looked imperiously consistent at left back and Gibbs was a solid deputy. You would think this would be the same at present.

Yet things have changed. Monreal has suffered a dip in performance levels this season and doesn’t look as assuring, especially against pacy wingers. With Gibbs failing to take advantage mostly due to injury problems, the situation suddenly looks dicey. Monreal isn’t a long term option at 30 years of age and Gibbs is not the quality player required to start week in week out in the Premiership.

This leaves two possible vacancies in the squad that Gooners hope Arsenal fill in the summer. By signing a ‘double sided’ full back (as I’ve called it), Arsenal could kill two birds with one stone. A fullback capable of playing on both flanks? Sounds like a good deal.

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Defenders who can play at both left back and right back are a rare commodity but there seem to be more out there in recent seasons. Two that have been linked with Arsenal that would solve our full back dilemma are Djibril Sidibe from Monaco and Ricardo Pereira from Porto (on loan at Nice this season).

Both players are young, versatile operators with the potential to develop into a world class full back on either flank. Signing one of the two would represent a real coup for the club.

At right back, either Sidibe or Pereira would be able to push Bellerin for the starting place and cover for him in secondary competitions and when injury strikes. This would only serve to heighten Hector’s performance levels and increase our options on that side of the field.

A “double sided full back” would also be able to seamlessly take over from Monreal on the other side. With Gibbs conceivably moving on if a full back is signed and Bramall unlikely to feature soon. It would be the perfect transition from Monreal to a fresh full back.

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So what do you think Gooners? Would signing a full back versatile enough to play on the left or right represent a good signing? Or would you rather have 2 full backs to fill the voids? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.