Five left-backs Arsenal could move for in summer transfer window like Chelsea outcast and long-term Ajax target

April 12, 2022

ARSENAL could have another busy summer transfer window this year and Mikel Arteta may be targeting a new left-back.

Kieran Tierney has been a good servant since joining the club and has been tipped by some to take over as captain at the end of the season.

But there is a possible problem emerging with Arteta appearing to lose faith in Nuno Tavares.

The back-up left-back has been hauled off at half-time in his previous two Arsenal appearances and was dropped in favour of midfielder Granit Xhaka against Brighton last Saturday.

Tavares was signed only last summer but Arteta may be planning to sign a new recruit, or hand more minutes to a youngster.

Here are five left-backs the Gunners could try to sign when the transfer window opens.

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Kyle Walker-Peters

A move for the former Tottenham full-back may raise a few eyebrows but Walker-Peters has been in terrific form for Southampton this season.

He is capable of playing on either flank and his ability on the ball would suit Arteta's style.

The defender's recent form led to his first England caps in the March friendlies against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast and the 24-year-old would fit Arsenal's criteria of signing young, hungry players.

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Oleksandr Zinchenko

The Ukraine captain has found game time difficult to come by at Manchester City this season but he has proven himself in the Premier League in recent years.

He could arrive at The Emirates with a point to prove and would offer the bonus of also being able to play in midfield.

Perhaps most importantly he would bring a winning mentality to the squad having worked under Pep Guardiola – and he should also adapt easily to Arteta's methods given they worked with each other at City.

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Nicolas Tagliafico

The Ajax left-back, 29, is a long-term target of the Gunners.

Arsenal were first linked to Tagliafico in 2019 after he helped the Dutch giants reach the semi-final of the Champions League.

Arteta then reignited interest in the defender in 2020 so could be prepared to do so again, with Taglifico said to be open to the switch.

Marcos Alonso

It would not be the first time an experienced campaigner made the switch across London.

Petr Cech and Willian have switched blue for red in recent years to varying degrees of success, with Olivier Giroud also moving in the opposite direction.

Arsenal could benefit from a winner like Alonso and the experience he would add to the squad.

He may also be happy playing second fiddle to Tierney given Ben Chilwell is usually first choice at Chelsea – when he is not injured.

Lino Sousa

Instead of splashing the cash on a player to act as back-up to Tierney Arteta could look to youth.

Sousa is only 17 but he has impressed for Arsenal's youth teams since joining from West Brom in January.

Arteta could even call upon the youngster at some point this season given Tierney is out for the rest of the season and Tavares has hit a rough patch.