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

Ryan Bertrand – Southampton

The other side of the coin.

Arsenal made an offer to Southampton for Ryan Bertrand in the January transfer window but were knocked back by the Saints. Maybe it was sour grapes for not getting Ainsley Maitland-Niles?

At the time the Gunners were desperate for backup in that position and an experienced English operator on a short-term, or at least not four-year long, deal would have been wise business. As per numerous reports, this interest is still strong and with Bertrand announcing he will leave the south coast club at the end of the season when his contract expires, Arsenal ears have perked up.

Free transfer? 30+ years old? Former Chelsea player?!?! Ticks all the boxes. We jest.

Wherever Bertrand moves will be his last ‘big’ move, thus a contract in the region of three years would be expected, by which time he will be 35.

Why Arsenal are going for him makes sense: bags of experience, likely happy to sit on the bench for most of the season, no upfront transfer fee and suits the homegrown quota.

There are understandably a considerable amount of areas to see to and signing Bertrand could in some way be lessening the load. It will be felt that other areas need tending to more, or indeed can be tended to properly this window, and getting this sorted early is one ticked off the box for Arsenal.

It would, however, constitute short-term planning once again. Not looking at the long-term but instead seeking temporary gain. Arsenal already have Willian to warm the bench and collect healthy wages for a few more years, do they really need more?