Arsenal: Stephan Lichtsteiner leaving does not negate logic

Stephan Lichtsteiner has all but confirmed his exit from Arsenal this summer. But just because he is leaving does not negate the initial logic of the signing.

Arsenal needed a new right-back, not a starting option, but a new one. Hector Bellerin played north of 3000 minutes the year prior, many of them on a hobbled ankle, and only Ainsley Maitland-Niles or an out-of-position Calum Chambers or Shkodran Mustafi served as any sort of back-ups.

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The problem was two-fold: they did not have much money to lavishly splash in the transfer window and they had plenty of other positions that needed addressing, many of which were more important than a reserve right-back. As such, they had little money to sign Bellerin’s deputy.

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In the end, they landed on Stephan Lichtsteiner, a 34-year-old, seven-time Serie A champions and international captain. The reason they signed him, though, had almost nothing to do with his accolades, or his ability, for that matter, and almost everything to do with his price. He was free, and so Arsenal gobbled him up like one of those hungry hippos desperately chasing one of the final few balls in the middle.

Lichsteiner proved to be a disastrous signing. His age was a major issue, depreciating his speed and athleticism to a hugely detrimental extent, he provided little of the attacking production that Bellerin offered, and he was routinely exploited by opponents, especially those with quick, direct wingers who can dribble right at — and usually past — him. Eventually, with Bellerin out injured, Lichtsteiner would be disposed by Maitland-Niles and Unai Emery shifted to a 3-5-2 out of necessity.

This week, Lichtsteiner all but confirmed that he would be leaving the club this summer. Speaking after the win over Burnley, he admitted that it would be ‘difficult’ for him to stay at in north London next season. It has been expected for some time that he would depart at the expiration of the one-year contract he signed upon his arrival last year.

But Lichtsteiner’s leaving, along with his poor performances during his time at the club, do not negate the logic of the signing in the first place. The thinking to acquire him is still sound, even if it did not pay off. Arsenal, I am sure, were quite aware that he may not be up to the required standard. But they also understood that they did not really have a choice. It was Lichtsteiner or bust.

Sadly, the same choice may present itself this summer, too. Bellerin should return from his ACL tear in September and will be expected to start. Maitland-Niles will still be in the squad, but Emery clearly does not trust him in an orthodox right-back role. Beyond the pair, there are not many options to choose from. The transfer market may be necessary.

And again, like last season, there is not much money to play with and lots of other positions that require investment. The same line of logic that was used to sign Lichtsteiner may have to come into play this summer. Hopefully, this time, it lands a more capable target.