Arsenal journalist Charles Watts has been discussing the north London club’s reported transfer interest in Southampton full-back Ryan Bertrand.
This comes after Watts recently uploaded a video onto his YouTube channel where he spoke about a number of topics concerning Mikel Arteta’s side.
On the subject of Arsenal’s reported interest in Bertrand, who recently played against the Gunners in their 1-0 defeat against Southampton in the FA Cup, Watts had this to say on the matter. (14.05)
He said: “Ryan Bertrand, as far as I understand it, is a target as a potential left-back, he played against Arsenal for Southampton [at the weekend], put in a very good shift at the left-back role.
“He’s got six months left on the deal there, Southampton want him to sign a new deal, he is stalling on it though.
“He wants to go to a top six club and I’ve heard that Arsenal are exploring the option of Ryan Bertrand. No official contact made with Southampton yet but there has been contact with representatives and Bertrand is aware of Arsenal’s interest so that’s one to keep an eye on.”
Southampton signed the 31-year-old originally on a loan deal from fellow Premier League club Chelsea back in July 2014 before signing him on a permanent deal for a fee of £11.97 million in February 2015.
Overall, the defender, who is currently valued at £9.45 million, has made 225 appearances for the Saints, prior to their midweek league clash with Arsenal, in which he has managed to score eight goals and provide 19 assists along the way (per Transfermarkt).
TIF Thoughts on Charles Watts’ comments on Arsenal’s interest in Bertrand…
Given how Bertrand has racked up a total of 246 appearances in the Premier League throughout his career so far, maybe this experience would be a useful factor to add into Arsenal’s squad at the moment.
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However, with the Englishman having failed to provide a goal or assist for Southampton so far in the league this season and having only managed to earn himself a fairly underwhelming season rating of 6.61/10 for his performances, perhaps Arsenal should reconsider their interest for the time being.