Arsenal manager Unai Emery is eyeing a move for PSG right-back Thomas Meunier; it has been claimed.
According to France Football(via GFFN), Unai Emery is keen to secure the services of Thomas Meunier. The PSG star reportedly wants to leave the club following his lack of game-time. And Arsenal could emerge as potential suitors. However, the report states that the Gunners could face fierce competition from Manchester United.
Thomas Meunier: An ideal signing for Arsenal
Meunier will be an ideal signing for Arsenal given their lack of depth in the fullback department. Hector Bellerin has struggled with injuries for the most part of the 2018/19 campaign. The Spaniard has also struggled with a lack of consistency prior to the season-ending blow.
As a result, Emery has had to rely on Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the right wing-back position. The youngster has done rather well to deputize for the injured Bellerin. But, he is not a fully fledged wing-back and has visibly struggled during defensive phases.
Meunier, in that regard, will be an excellent upgrade for a number of reasons. For one, the Belgian international is a seasoned defender, hardened by a vast amount of experience in the European top flight. In fact, he has featured in almost 300 competitive matches during his time at Club Brugge and PSG.
But most importantly, Meunier is an all-round fullback, who, though an attack-minded player, is well aware of his defensive chores. He stands out in his ability to carry the ball from defence to attack by linking up with teammates or by creating passing triangles with the midfielder and the wide attacker – making it almost impossible for the opposition to win back possession.
Meunier also has the experience of playing under Emery during their time together at PSG. And this could help him quickly integrate into his new club.
However, what makes Meunier such an appealing target for Arsenal is that he might be available for a cut-price as his current contract with PSG expires at the end of next season. That means the French giants will be keen to release the Belgian international this summer in order to avoid seeing him leave the club for a free transfer next season.
This could be useful for Arsenal, who are expected to operate with a paltry budget of only £40 million.
