6 Arsenal defensive transfer targets to watch during international break

Owen Wijndal – AZ Alkmaar & Netherlands

His international break may have started in pretty catastrophic fashion – blame Frank de Boer as it’s quite staggering how this man still gets a job in management – as the Dutch fell to a 4-2 defeat against Turkey, but Owen Wijndal is still a player worth being excited about.

The need for someone who can beat a high press and stay composed under pressure, even in defence, has become one of the key traits desired in modern footballers. Exceptional calmness on the ball, last season he recorded the highest pass success rate of any left-back in the division.

Blistering pace – really, he’s quick – means he’s the useful outlet on the overlap that is synonymous with full-backs. Importantly, though, is that he likes to occupy the half-spaces in tandem with his winger.

Not a common trait for his position, he’s isn’t afraid to make runs into the box either and has been likened to Andrew Robertson for his playing style.

His distribution from range needs improving but at just 21 years old and already starting matches for the Dutch national side, his other facets more than make up for those that can be fine-tuned.

Would he play second fiddle for Arsenal, though? That’s another question.