Arsenal have opened talks with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain over a move for Thomas Meunier.
The Gunners will have to compete with Manchester United for Meunier’s signature, as the Red Devils have also been in contact with the Belgian.
According to RMC Sport, via Get French Football News, Arsenal manager Unai Emery is keen to bring the versatile full-back to Emirates, but the player’s price-tag of €30 million could pose a problem unless Arsenal decide to increase their transfer kitty this summer.
The Gunners were poor defensively last season, and with Stephan Lichtsteiner to leave the club when his contract expires, Arsenal need quality reinforcements at the back.
Thomas Meunier: Profile
Meunier started his senior career at Belgian outfit Virton and was snapped up by Club Brugge following his impressive start to his career. In the summer of 2016, he was lured to Parc des Princes, and has since gone on to become a key player for them.
The Belgian made 22 appearances in Ligue 1 last season, managing 3 assists in the process. A solid full-back, Meunier registered 2 tackles per game on an average last season, and helped PSG successfully defend their Ligue 1 title.
The right-back also featured in the Champions League regularly, and despite sustaining an injury towards the concluding stages of the previous campaign, he is back in shape and will not miss pre-season.
Meunier has also been an instrumental figure in the Belgian national team, and featured for the team in the 2018 World Cup.
Should Arsenal go after Meunier?
The north London outfit lack the financial muscle and have to work on a shoestring budget this summer after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
With many areas to address before the start of next season, the right-back position is not exactly Arsenal’s concern.
Emery has Hector Bellerin and as a backup, he has Ainsley Maitland-Niles at right-back. Arsenal need a centre-back, a left-back and a winger, so they need to address those areas first.
Meunier’s price-tag means there’s no point chasing after him. Even if the Gunners had the money to spend, his keenness to play for Manchester United means Arsenal should steer clear of the Belgian.
