Arsenal‘s hunt for a left-back is far from over, and reports have suggested that they are interested in Greek full-back Kostas Tsimikas.
As per Italian website Correire dello Sport, the Gunners are set to rival a handful of European clubs to acquire Tsimikas’ signature. The player has been in great form for Greek giants Olympiacos of late.
Gennaro Gattuso is keen on getting him to Napoli, while another Italian club in Atalanta are also eager to sign him.
Arsenal have just heated up the race by entering the market. They are tracking a number of left-backs, and Tsimikas is perhaps the most prominent name in that last. Paris Saint-Germain Lavyin Kurzawa is another player Arsenal are interested in.
But given PSG’s injuries in the left-back position, they are unlikely to let Kurzawa go in this window. Hence, Tsimikas has emerged as the front-runner.
Kostas Tsimikas: Will he be a clever signing?
Arsenal are dealing with a number of injuries at the moment. Summer signing Kieran Tierney is out until late March with a shoulder injury. Back-up left-back Sead Kolasinac is also nursing a thigh injury. He is unlikely to be fit and running any time before mid-February.
Considering the injury woes, Mikel Arteta is using youngster Bukayo Saka in the left-back position.
However, Saka isn’t the most comfortable in that position. He had a hard time dealing with Callum Hudson-Odoi’s pace in the London derby against Chelsea, so, Arteta’s hunt for a left-back is well justified.
Reports suggest that Olympiacos are demanding £17 million for the player. For such a price, Tsimikas can prove to be a clever signing. He started his career at Olympiacos, but was loaned out to Esbjerg. Tsimikas realised his potential while he was at loan at Dutch side Willem II Tilburg.
He made the headlines with amazing displays against Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur in this season’s UEFA Champions League.
Tsimikas is solid at the back and a threat in attack. He has made 5 assists in just 15 games in the Greek Super League this season, and has also got an assist in the Champions League.
Considering all the talents he possesses, it would be wise of Arsenal to make a move for the Greek ace.
