Kostas Tsimikas of Olympiacos FC plays the ball during the UEFA Champions League group B match between Bayern Muenchen and Olympiacos FC at Allianz Arena on November 06, 2019. (Getty Images)
In February, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal were linked with Olympiacos left-back Kostas Tsimikas. (h/t The Express)
Kostas Tsimikas, 23, has been a regular fixture in the Olympiacos side this season. He has made 35 appearances across all competitions and played in every Champions League match of the Greek outfit, where he shone against the likes of Tottenham and Bayern Munich.
In fact, the left-back was a part of the Olympiacos side that eliminated Arsenal from the Europa League in the round of 32. With Tsimikas enjoying a strong campaign with the Greek giants, Arsenal must make a move for the defender when the transfer window opens in the summer.
Slowly but surely, it seems like Mikel Arteta’s philosophy is starting to have a positive impact on the side he inherited from Unai Emery last December. The Gunners registered three consecutive Premier League victories before it was announced last week that all elite football action in Britain would be suspended until April 3 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
But should the season resume in little under three weeks’ time, the Gunners will be raring to keep their unbeaten run going in the league and achieve a top-four spot at the end of the season. Keeping that in mind, Arteta must start preparing for the next season and draw out his potential list of summer transfer targets.
Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac have faced a lot of injury issues and the manager has turned towards Bukayo Saka to cover the left-back area. He has done well so far despite playing in a different position. Therefore, signing Kostas Tsimikas would allow Arteta to move Saka to his natural position.
Tsimikas has been a consistent performer for Olympiacos over the last two seasons. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a fine 2019/20 campaign, producing seven assists in all competitions while catching the eye with his defending.
The left-back, who produced an assist against Bayern Munich and caused Tottenham a few headaches in North London during Olympiacos’ Champions League campaign, has represented Greece three times so far.
The Thessaloniki-born defender has racked up close to 130 appearances in his club career, which includes representing clubs such as Olympiacos, Esbjerg and Willem II. Tsimikas has potential and could be a smart signing for Mikel Arteta’s side given his young age.
The three-cap Greece international would add strength to Arsenal’s left-back area. Valued at £17million, Tsimikas could be a good long-term investment for the Gunners.