Arsenal target player plus cash transfer move for right-back

It was all smiles at the Emirates Stadium against Manchester United when Takehiro Tomiyasu made his long-awaited return for Arsenal following three months out injured.

The summer signing has immediately settled into his new surroundings with performances akin to that of someone with years of Premier League experience behind them, and he’s grown into an integral element of the team.

Ahead of facing West Ham the hope is that he’ll be back in the starting lineup to provide Arsenal with additional balance and solidity, some of which had been missed during his time in the treatment room.

Cedric Soares has, however, done very well in his absence. There have been some excellent displays and some that have fulfilled the remit expected of him, and he deserves credit for making Tomiyasu’s time on the sidelines less keenly felt than anticipated.

Arsenal target player plus cash transfer move for right-back Nahuel Molina with Pablo Mari going to Udinese in return

Nonetheless, he’s still heavily limited in numerous departments. As the more attack-minded of the two right-back options, there is certainly room to upgrade in that department as the 30-year-old enters the final two years of his Gunners’ deal.

One name being banded around is Udinese’s Nahuel Molina, a versatile right full-back who is just as capable playing as a winger or as a wing-back. Messaggero Veneto first mentioned the interest which has since been picked up across Italian media, although the £25m asking price could prove to be a stumbling block for many keen suitors.

Under contract until 2026 it’s no surprise they’re looking for a pretty penny, especially when other big hitters such as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are fishing around for the Argentine. With seven goals and four assists from wing-back this season, it’s little surprise.

Physical, clever in receiving the ball and technically sound, his use of both feet is an interesting quirk as it’s one of the most notable aspects of Tomiyasu’s game. Across the squad there are numerous two-footed players, and it may be something Arsenal are looking at further.

Considering there is no indication that Tomiyasu will be losing his place anytime soon, the fee is more than Arsenal should be willing to part with unless there are rather deep pockets to be digging into this summer.

However, they possess a bargaining chip in any potential deal.

Pablo Mari is currently enjoying a career renaissance on loan at the Italian side where he’s become an integral core of their three-man defence, putting in some excellent displays that have dragged Udinese well away of the relegation places.

It’s very clear he has no future at Arsenal and the Gunners would be keen on using the Spaniard as a makeweight in this deal, something Mari would also be keen on having expressed a desire to stay beyond his loan move.

"“I’d like to stay in Serie A next season,” he said back in April. “I’m under contract until June 2024 with Arsenal – but I’m so happy here at Udinese.”"

One to look out for, although Brooke Norton-Cuffy’s impressive loan spell at Lincoln City should be taken very seriously.