Arsenal: 6 right-back transfer targets ahead of deadline

It isn’t over until the fat lady sings! With Arsenal managing to land five new signings this summer, the parking meter still has a few minutes left for the club to pick up their final few items at the shop and donate some clothing to charity.

In other words, buy a few players and sell a few players before the transfer deadline closes. Good, glad we clarified that.

And what is left for Arsenal to do? Well, any further business is contingent on sales occurring first, and in the case of that happening, a right-back and a striker are on the cards.

Another central midfielder wouldn’t go amiss, especially if Ainsley Maitland-Niles is sold, but beggars can’t be choosers in such situations.

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Arsenal: 6 right-back transfer targets ahead of deadline as Mikel Arteta eyes further additions in summer window

Focussing on right-back, one could argue that Arsenal currently have four on the books. Maitland-Niles does not see himself as a defender so he can be exempt from the conversation, not least as he will likely be needed in midfield with numbers light, meaning there are three to choose from.

Nobody is exactly enthused at the options.

Calum Chambers is the pick of the lot and enjoyed a strong end to last season as he usurped Hector Bellerin and Cedric Soares in the pecking order, yet the jury is still out on whether he’s of a standard desired to be first choice at Arsenal. The overwhelming consensus is no.

As for Bellerin, he is the most likely to be leaving as all parties search for an amicable conclusion, while Cedric is of interest to clubs on loan but would rather stay and fight for his place in north London.

Nobody will be brought in unless at least one departs, but who is on the wishlist? While that’s been kept mostly under wraps, there are a few Arsenal should, could, and already are on the lookout for this summer.

1. Ridle Baku – Wolfsburg

Age: 23
Contract expiry: 2025
Rumoured fee: £25m-£30m

Ridle Baku has taken over the mantle of flavour of the month. The ‘cool’ choice at right-back is many supporters’ pick despite few of them having even seen him play a single minute of football.

Fortunately for all who like the idea of his signature, it’s merited.

Boundless energy and instinctive yet intelligent choice of runs, the German has shot to prominence after being snapped up by Wolfsburg from Mainz for £7.5m in October last year. Due to his solid distribution, he adds a surprising degree of creativity and playmaking to his side’s attacks.

Progressive passes from deep as well and lightening quick dribbles with the ball, his usage in build-up play would be of strong allure to Arteta who wants an option in that area to open the spaces up in attack and reduce the lopsided reliance that is created through Tierney’s brilliance.

If Arsenal aim to transition into a more counter-pressing side with a high backline, someone of Baku’s ferocity and athleticism would be of great value. Naturally a central midfielder, he also suits the preference towards having a full-back to join into central in different phases as he is strong in the half-spaces around both boxes.

Expensive? Probably. Talented? Definitely.