Arsenal Opinion: Why Arsenal must revive their interest in Kevin Malcuit?
According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin is set to miss several weeks of the 2019/20 campaign.
The Spaniard, 24, has been out of action since January with an injury to his left knee during Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat of Chelsea, which saw him need surgery on his anterior cruciate ligaments.
The initial prognosis claimed a recovery time of ‘six to nine months’ and the Gunners had hoped he would return during pre-season so he could play in their opening game against Newcastle on August 11.
However, the August 11th game against Newcastle will come too soon for Bellerin, the report adds. The Barcelona-born defender’s lengthy recovery and doubts over how will he adapt quickly to the rigours of the Premier League should prompt Unai Emery to sign a new right-back this summer.
With Stephan Lichtsteiner having left the club and Carl Jenkinson a transfer target for Celtic, Emery is left with only Ainsley Maitland-Niles at the right-back position. Arsenal definitely cannot start the season with only one right-back and must look for reinforcements, especially after conceding over 50 goals last term.
That being said, Arsenal must rekindle their interest in Napoli star, Kevin Malcuit, who was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates during the January transfer window.
After only one season with Lille, Malcuit was signed by Napoli last summer and he was preferred at right-back by Carlo Ancelotti, especially in the second half of the 2018/19 campaign.
The Frenchman has settled in well in Naples following a decent debut campaign in the Serie A. Yet, the Gunners must try their level best to sign the 27-year-old.
In Malcuit, the Gunners would get a high-flying right-back, known for his pace, energy, strength and attacking prowess. He is also solid when it comes to defending, plus his versatility to play on the left, wing-back or in an advanced role on the right should also be a big asset for Emery.
The 27-year-old is skilful, athletic and adept at providing pinpoint delivery from out wide and would add more quality to Arsenal’s backline.
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The Frenchman always shows his desire to get forward and put the ball in the penalty box. He is also a top tackler, giving little space for his opponent to exploit. All in all, he could be an inspired addition to the Gunners’ defence, whilst adding much-needed competition and cover at right-back.
Verdict
Malcuit fits the bill at the Emirates and Emery must do everything possible to sign him, as the Frenchman can go on to become one of the mainstays of the North London club’s backline for years to come.
