Arsenal: Thomas Meunier makes sense in one scenario

Arsenal have a lot of needs this summer, but right back is not one of them. So why are they linked to Thomas Meunie? It’s not completely senseless.

With the lengthy list of needs that Arsenal needs to address this summer, it stands to reason that many are confused as to why Thomas Meunier, a rightback, is being linked to the Gunners as the season closes out once and for all.

Meunier is absolutely a capable right back, a great player both defensively and offensively, and for £26m, it’s not like he’s a complete bank buster.

That said, seeing as how we need centerbacks, leftbacks, creative midfielders, wingers, potentially a striker and also perhaps a back-up keeper, looking off of that list for quality players that play a rare, stocked position may seem a bit… counterintuitive.

But there is a scenario in which Meunier makes sense. Two, really, but only one that needs talking about. (The first is if we sell Hector Bellerin, but we won’t.)

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The other situation where it makes sense is if Unai Emery intends to move Ainsley Maitland-Niles into a central midfield role at long last. It’s always been the goal of Maitland-Niles to end up in the center of the pitch, but it’s always eluded him thus far. He’s had a lot of growing to do, and when given the chance, he showed some promise, but there were always better, readier options than he.

Given all the moving pieces this summer, it stands to reason that more central midfielders may be needed if Unai Emery has a specific image for this club in his mind. And we know he likes Maitland-Niles.

Meunier would be an excellent contrast to Bellerin, and the security at that position would be insane. Maybe he even intends to use Meunier as a right-sided centerback in a back three like he’s done with Monreal this year. As another option, of course. Emery loves his options.

Or Maitland-Niles could be moving central. Or he could be moving central and attacking. Hell, he can’t do any worse than the guys we tried this year. And as a wingback, he showcased a lot of inventiveness and creativity, so it’s not like it’s the worst idea ever.

Maybe a winger, too. Having him and Meunier on one side of the pitch would be overpowered (which is a good thing).

So yeah, it may be a weird link. But Emery is a smart man. He must have something in mind.