Arsenal: 6 right-back transfer targets ahead of deadline

6. Noussair Mazraoui – Ajax

Age: 23
Contract expiry: 2022
Rumoured fee: £10m

How is he still at Ajax?

Noussair Mazraoui has been one of the standout defenders across Europe over the past few seasons and with the deadline fast approaching, it’s remarkable that he hasn’t been pinched by any number of clubs this summer.

Yet to pen a new contract, the 23-year-old’s deal expires in less than 12 months and unless there is some certainty behind the scenes that he will be extending his stay in the Dutch capital, he remains a superb option at a fraction of his worth.

Wonderfully well-rounded and boasting technical security and flexibility to adapt to numerous systems and positions, the Moroccan is in the top 95th percentile or higher for passes into the final third, progressive passes, tackles won, pressures, ball recoveries and blocks.

All his numbers come with the obvious ‘Ajax are the best team in the country’ caveat, but as a full-back who can speed up Arsenal’s progression through the thirds and shift into midfield to open multiple lanes of attack and allow Thomas Partey greater freedom to advance, it’s a genuine surprise he hasn’t been mentioned as much.

Any flaws? He’s not the quickest. Not detrimental by any means but the only noticeable chink in the armour.

This contract seems to be heading one way and the talk is that he may want to stay, but nothing has been signed. Strike while the iron is hot, and all that jazz.