6 Arsenal defensive transfer targets to watch during international break

Noussair Mazraoui – Ajax & Morocco

Even at only 23 years old, Noussair Mazraoui has been featuring for his national side since 2018 and has the right-back slot under Vahid Halilhodžić nailed down.

A teammate of Schuurs’, Mazraoui is a versatile and adventurous full-back who adds genuine threat in the final third. What’s key as well is his penchant for tucking into central areas and adopting the midfield role that Arteta is seeking from his right-back.

When Arsenal move into their 3-3-2-2 shape during matches, or even when the left-back bombs forward and the side adopt a front five, Arteta wants a technical operator on the opposite flank to come infield and both assist with build-up play and nullify counter-attacks. Mazraoui does this effectively.

If there are any standout weaknesses with Mazraoui then it’s his lack of pace. He’s not sluggish by any means, but modern full-backs these days usually boast greater speed over long and short distances.

Nonetheless he’s a great one-on-one defender, technically suited to drift infield and a valuable outlet in the final third. He’s in Africa Cup of Nations action during this break for Morocco and one of those player where the more you watch, the more you like.