OPINION
Arsene Wenger should make a move for Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu before the summer transfer window shuts.
Spanish outlet El Desmarque has reported that new Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde does not see a future for the 33-year-old French international at the club and his agent is reportedly looking to start talks with Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Here, This is Futbol looks at three reasons why the North London club should do everything they can to sign the French defender this summer.
Proven winner
Since moving to Catalonia in 2014, Mathieu has played a vital role in helping Barcelona continue their dominance both domestically and in the Champions League.
The French defender has won two La Liga titles, a Champions League trophy and three consecutive Copa del Rey trophies with Barcelona during his three years with the club.
In his debut season, Mathieu instantly became a fan favourite when he scored in the 2-1 Clasico victory against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou and he also featured in the Champions League and Copa del Rey finals which helped the Catalans secure their second treble in their history.
Mathieu has demonstrated that he can perform at the highest level and his winning mentality can only be an asset to an Arsenal side that have not won the Premier League since 2004.
Comfortable in 3-4-3 formation
For the first time in 20 years, Arsene Wenger decided to switch to a back three for the closing months of the season and it was very successful as the Gunners won nine of their remaining ten matches, including an FA Cup final victory over Chelsea.
Mathieu would have no problems slotting into a back three as Barcelona enjoyed success of their own with the system following the 4-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Luis Enrique selected Mathieu in a back three away at La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona produced a fine all-round performance winning 2-1 on the day.
Mathieu would also feel at ease playing alongside fellow France national teammate Laurent Koscielny and the two could form a partnership that could potentially turn Arsenal into serious title contenders.
Style of play
It is no secret to anyone that Arsenal and Barcelona have a very similar style of play as both teams like to keep the ball at all times and build from the back.
Mathieu has been learning and adapting to the Barcelona philosophy for three years so he would not have any issues slotting into the Arsenal squad and adapting to their style of play.
The Frenchman’s vast experience could also be an asset for youngster Rob Holding who has enjoyed a great start to his career at the Emirates Stadium.
Mathieu is very comfortable on the ball and he could also bring versatility to the squad as he has been deployed as a left full-back on numerous occasions during his career at the Camp Nou.