Arsenal: Layvin Kurzawa right type of January transfer

Mikel Arteta has reportedly entered into advanced negotiations for left-back Layvin Kurzawa. He is the type of transfer Arsenal should pursue this January.

Per David Ornstein of The Athletic, Arsenal are in advanced negotiations to sign PSG left-back Layvin Kurzawa. In his report, Ornstein said:

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"“Arsenal are in advanced talks over the signing of Paris Saint-Germain left-back Layvin Kurzawa. Head of football Raul Sanllehi is leading the negotiations, with key discussions understood to be taking place today. The 27-year-old would be available on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer but Arsenal intend to sign him immediately and there is some hope that they may be able to recruit him without paying a fee.”"

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While there are reasons to be sceptical about the Frenchman, there are a number of merits about the potential transfer. To start, he is only 27 and is only just entering his prime. As a result, he is different from David Luiz, who the Gunners signed in the summer, or Jerome Boateng, who has been linked with a north London move all winter. Kurzawa is more than just a stopgap.

Secondly, he is a player of extreme experience. He has played for PSG in the Champions League and has 12 caps for France. He was not selected for the 2018 World Cup squad, but he has played for France since 2014 and has been reinstated in the 2019 squad.

He is a product of the Monaco academy and signed for PSG at the beginning of the 2014-15 season. He played 96 games for Monaco and a further 100 for Paris Saint Germain. Most of his skill comes in buildup play. He is a consummate passer, can beat a defender when dribbling, and would fit Arteta’s possession-based style nicely.

However, the 27-year-old has featured sparingly for the French giants this season, and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, he is looking for more playing time. He is at a stage of his career where that is necessary and he would be tempted to come north London.

Third, he provides depth where the squad is the most in need of it. Sead Kolasinac is constantly injured, while Kieran Tierney does not return until March with a dislocated shoulder. Signing Kurzawa for a small fee — or even for free — in January would be a very intelligent move. The Frenchman is an upgrade on Bukayo Saka and would provide support for the injury-prone Kolasinac. Tierney is the future, fitness pending, but Kurzawa could be a long-term back-up in place of Kolasinac.

Caution should be taken. Kurzawa’s workrate reportedly leaves much to be desired and he might end up being third-choice should Kolasinac and Tierney get and remain fit. His wages would not be cheap, either. Arsenal are already cash-strapped, especially if they miss out on the Champions League again. Do they want to sign a third-choice, troublesome full-back who is already in their prime and has limited re-sale value on a high wage?

Experienced players, towards the end of their contracts, who fill positions of need are the type of signings that Arsenal should be looking to sign this January. On paper, it is an excellent deal. But in reality, these can go wrong. Layvin Kurzawa is no different.