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Arsenal target USA right-back Tyler Adams as Bellerin replacement

By Ross Kennerley

MAINZ, GERMANY - JANUARY 23: Tyler Adams of RB Leipzig remonstrates with the Referee, Christian Dingert (not pictured) during the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and RB Leipzig at Opel Arena on January 23, 2021 in Mainz, Germany. Sporting stadiums around Germany remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
MAINZ, GERMANY - JANUARY 23: Tyler Adams of RB Leipzig remonstrates with the Referee, Christian Dingert (not pictured) during the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and RB Leipzig at Opel Arena on January 23, 2021 in Mainz, Germany. Sporting stadiums around Germany remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal target USA and RB Leipzig right-back Tyler Adams as Hector Bellerin replacement in summer transfer window. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) /

Arsenal have so much on their plate this summer that there will be players linked with the club who may drift by without being seen. Everyday a new name or face bubbles to the speculative surface as Mikel Arteta seeks reinforcements, with the latest being RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams.

It’s been all quiet on the right-back front so far this summer – there is still a long way to go – as focus has been heavily shifted towards the central midfield area. Goalkeeper has been garnering more attention as far as the press is concerned, with both full-backs slots yet to fully kick into gear.

Selling Hector Bellerin will be first on the agenda. Finding a suitor for the Spaniard hasn’t proven too difficult as of yet, with clubs across La Liga all showing their hand this summer. A move to either his home nation or Serie A is being worked on with Arsenal doing their best to accrue their £20m asking price.

When he does leave a replacement will be needed. There are a number of right-back targets that would slot into this team, although Arteta is after a specific profile.

Arsenal target USA and RB Leipzig right-back Tyler Adams as Hector Bellerin replacement in summer transfer window

Noticeable with Bellerin when he had a run in the team last season and similarly with Calum Chambers, Arteta likes to adopt an inverted right-back on that side. Kieran Tierney provides the width and overlapping, which is finely matched with the opposing full-back tucking into midfield.

This balancing act requires a specific profile, hence why the likes of Noussair Mazraoui are such endearing options. It requires someone who is technically secure in possession, has the legs to support the attack in the fifth channel and also be progressive with their play.

Across Europe there are options available, but Arsenal, being Arsenal, have set their sights on an option (via The Athletic) who would be tough to obtain: USA international Tyler Adams. The Gunners are keen on him but his club are less eager to sell him, with both their first choice centre-backs already departing this summer.

Impressing with the New York Red Bulls, Adams made the natural progression into Europe by joining RB Leipzig in January 2019. Adams practically skipped a step, having bypassed the normal route of Red Bull Salzburg to join their German counterparts instead. It’s an example of his talent.

Injuries had curtailed his first two campaigns in the Bundesliga, making 12 and 17 appearances in all competitions respectively, before putting his niggles aside to feature on 37 occasions last term.

Is he the right fit?

Continued…

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