Arsenal: 15 left-back & right-back summer transfer targets

NORWICH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Max Aarons of Norwich City reacts during the Sky Bet Championship match between Norwich City and Birmingham City at Carrow Road on October 20, 2020 in Norwich, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
NORWICH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Max Aarons of Norwich City reacts during the Sky Bet Championship match between Norwich City and Birmingham City at Carrow Road on October 20, 2020 in Norwich, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Zeki Celik
LILLE, FRANCE – MAY 1: Mehmet Zeki Celik of Lille celebrates his goal with Benjamin Andre in the back during the Ligue 1 match between Lille OSC (LOSC) and OGC Nice (OGCN) at Stade Pierre Mauroy on May 1, 2021 in Villeneuve d’Ascq near Lille, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images) /

Zeki Celik – Lille

Lille!?! Never heard of them before!!!

It seems almost customary for Lille to be involved in Arsenal transfer talk, and while there are no solid links to Zeki Celik at present, it would come as no surprise for a few to pop up in the coming months.

Naturally, all eyes are on the French team as they sit in pole position to lift the Ligue 1 title this season, with their exceptional recruitment department and transfer strategies once again working miracles.

Across the pitch they’ve had superb performers, with one of the standout candidates being their 24-year-old right-back. There is a directness to his game, whether from a forward-thinking first touch or positivity in possession. He may need to work on his footing slightly as he can get caught square, while a bit of time in the gym may help, but as an attacking contributor he’s been among the best in the division.

Four goals and three assists in all competitions, including an excellent volley against William Saliba’s Nice, with two years left on his deal this could be time for clubs to pounce. Add in the financial state Ligue 1 clubs find themselves in and a sale would be tempting.