Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has many full-backs on his radar ahead of the summer transfer window, including Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton
In August 2020, the Saints acquired Walker-Peters from Tottenham for £12 million. Although the Hampshire club’s relegation to the Championship was officially announced, the defender has been remarkably consistent for them and is anticipated to leave at the end of the season. Given his success at St Mary’s, Walker-Peters shouldn’t have trouble finding suitors during the summer transfer window. And during the summer transfer window, Arsenal is anticipated to add at least one defender.
Benjamin White can move back into the centre of the defence with the help of a natural right-back, but it is uncertain if Arteta will go after one or a centre-back, with the former Brighton player maintaining his position on the right. Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace is one of the centre backs Arteta is interested in, although he is believed to be quite expensive, as opposed to Eric Garcia of Barcelona or Armel Bella-Kotchap of Southampton, who have both been associated with the Arsenal.
Walker-Peters’ versatility, both tactically and positionally, makes him a valuable addition. He would work well for Arteta as an inverted left-back because of his excellent two-footedness and versatility to play on the left or right. Additionally, if necessary, he could serve as a wing-back. The Gunners have reportedly been monitoring Walker-Peters for a while, according to The Athletic. When it came to a new Southampton deal, “a number of” teams were “monitoring” the 26-year-old last summer, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Everton.
Due to the Saints’ preparations for life in the second division and the player’s two-year contract expiration, he will undoubtedly be off this summer. Walker-Peters is also a target for Aston Villa, according to a different source, this time from 90 Minutes, however they are prioritising the audacious signing of Kyle Walker from Manchester City. Walker-Peters stated in a speech last month that a summer departure is not assured.
Joao Cancelo of Manchester City is another adaptable defender the Gunners are rumoured to be interested in. This week, 90min stated that Arsenal is interested in Cancelo and that Arteta is a great fan of the Portuguese international. A Bola, a Portuguese publication, reports that Arteta wants to sign the player. He is currently on loan at Bayern Munich, who have the option to purchase him for €70 million at the end of the current campaign but are not anticipated to do so.
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