Why Arsenal need not push too hard for Ryan Bertrand in January
According to Evening Standard (h/t Football London), Arsenal are eyeing a cut-price swoop for Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand in the January transfer window to bolster their defensive options.
As per the report, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in some specialist cover in that department following the loan exit of Sead Kolasinac earlier in the month. Bertrand’s contract at St. Mary’s is due to expire at the end of the season, leaving the door open for Arsenal to exploit his situation.
However, it has been reported that Bertrand is willing to pledge his future to Southampton by putting pen to paper on a new deal. Furthermore, the Saints are not willing to sanction a sale for the England international this month, considering that he is their only specialist option at left-back.
Arsenal already have enough cover
Kieran Tierney has excelled as a regular fixture for Arsenal this season, starting 17 out of the club’s 20 games in the Premier League so far. After enduring an injury-blighted debut season in North London last term, the Scotland international has established himself as a key cog in Arteta’s backline in the ongoing campaign.
Despite all their inconsistencies this season, Arsenal still boast a pretty decent defensive record with 20 goals conceded so far. While Hector Bellerin has blown hot and cold on the other side, Tierney has been among the club’s standout performers this term.
The former Celtic graduate has done an excellent job at both ends of the pitch, justifying the Gunners’ decision to fork out £25m for his services in 2019.
It is true that Kolasinac’s departure has left Arsenal somewhat light in their options at left-back. But the Gunners still have enough quality cover for Tierney as the undisputed first-choice in that role. That is largely due to the presence of a versatile utility player like Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who is capable of filling in at full-back.
In addition to that, Bukayo Saka has also proven his worth as a player more than capable of playing at left-back and wing-back. Cedric Soares might be a right-back by trade but he has also operated on the left with good efficiency in the past.
Bertrand doesn’t fit the bill
Having said that, however, it would still be understandable if Arteta points out the need for a specialist back-up to Tierney at left-back. But a potential deal for Ryan Bertrand need not be a top priority for the Gunners. Southampton are hardly in a position to sell him this month even if he doesn’t sign a new deal as he is their only left-back option.
Hence, Arsenal might as well wait until next summer to bring in a new player when more options are available in the market. They already have enough alternatives to get through the season, with Maitland-Niles, Cedric and Saka genuine options for Arteta in that position.
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In truth, Arsenal should consider a younger player with room for development, over someone like Bertrand, who is set to turn 32 in August. That would represent a better piece of business with one eye on the future as far as Arteta is concerned.
