Whilst Arsenal fans will be more interested in seeing which striker they sign this summer, they do have two other issues they need to deal with during this transfer market.
With Lukasz Fabianski off to Swansea City and Bacary Sagna off to Manchester City, Arsenal need to bring in a back-up goalkeeper and a first choice right-back.
Let’s focus on that full-back. After all, it could well be the position that proves most difficult to fill. Bacary Sagna was one of The Gunners most consistent and impressive performers over the last 7 years. Whilst he’s getting on in years he remains one of the Premier League’s best right-backs. Replacing him wont be easy.
According to The Mirror, Arsene Wenger has been keeping tabs on Swiss defender Stephan Lichtsteiner. The experienced full-back is a first-choice option for his International side and was a major part of the Juventus team who won the Serie A title last season.
Since moving to Juve, Lichtsteiner has made 107 appearances in 3 seasons. He’s an integral part of the team and the Serie A side won’t be willing to let him go without a fight. Still, I think it’s fair to say that Arsenal have the financial muscle to force a deal here, if Wenger’s interested enough.
The aforementioned source suggests that Lichtsteiner could cost as much a £9m. That’s a lot of money for a player who’s now 30-years-old (and will this likely be signing his last big-money long-term contract), but Arsenal will be paying for both his ability and his experience. In that sense, he looks like a good investment.
He’s the kind of player who’s good enough to move to The Emirates and make an instant impact. Given how close The Gunners came to success last season, I’d argue that this is exactly what they need at this moment in time. Whilst I’ll be sad to see Bacary Sagna leave, Stephan Lichtsteiner looks like a suitable replacement.
What’s your take? Who will fill Arsenal’s right-back berth next season? Should The Gunners put their faith in Carl Jenkinson, or find a solution in the transfer market?
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coleman would be a better replacement for sagna
Arsenal have to make move for serge Aurier before it will be too late, i have no dought that he is the perfect replacement for Bacary Sagna right now.