Arsenal are considering a move for Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand, according to The Evening Standard.
Mikel Arteta recently said the No. 3 Gunners could be brought in before the transfer window closes to support Kieran Tierney, after loan Chad Kolasinac went out to Schalke for the remainder of the campaign .
And Bertrand seems to be one of the options on their radar, largely due to his Southampton contract set to expire at the end of the season.
That suggests Arsenal could land an experienced Premier League defender at a modest cost this month, although the 5 – foot 10 – year – old defender is said to be happy to stay at St Mary ‘s Church.
But would the 31-year-old fullback be a good sign for the Gunners, or does he make a potential transfer gaffe?
GIVEMESPORT writers Jack Saville, Jonathan Gorrie and Christy Malyan give their judgments on that very question below …
Jack Saville
“Arsenal need to show more ambition in the transfer market if they are really worried about returning to the Champions League. Bertrand is a strong player with plenty of experience in the Premier League and his contractual position is make it even more attractive, but the Gunners’ decision – makers have to consider the long – term prospects of their next left – wing employer.
“Tierney has secured a place as the club’s first choice at left-back and Bukayo Saka is able to fill him in to be present at Scotland’s international level, and so the club can spend their time in the transfer market.
“With Bertrand set to turn 32 in August, the former Chelsea coach is heading into the twilight of his two years of career and is unlikely to threaten Tierney ‘s place in the starting XI. “He will no doubt be an attractive option if he has Southampton whose contract expires in the summer, but it is not just the long – term option that the Gunners need.”
Jonathan Gorrie
“What would Bertrand get out of a move to Arsenal?
“Having been a regular on loan at Chelsea, he has found a home on the South Coast and has been a winning player at one of the top moving sides in the Premier League.
“For the Gunners, they would get a seasoned Premier League professional to compete with Tierney but, given his importance to the Saints’ cause, they certainly had to offer him a rather attractive package for the city. change his routine for a rotating man at best.
“What Arsenal have to offer Bertrand at this stage of his career is up for debate.”
Christy Malyan
“As amazing as Tierney was for Arsenal, the Scottish defender comes up with one key draw – his injury record. He has been a problem for both Celtic and North Wales. London, and it ‘s already clear that the Gunners will need someone capable of joining the squad to cover another set – off in a matter of seconds.
“Going down the youngest route makes a lot of sense – Bertrand is already in his 30s and Arsenal may have a maximum of two or three years. But there is a risk introducing a sub-style in protégé style, which could be found to have been thrown right into the real head in a series of big games the next time Tierney survives another of his long side strokes.
“Bertrand, on the other hand, is very knowledgeable, consistent, very professional and rarely misses games. So, while he admits the age is a bit difficult, he is better equipped to come into the side and fill Tierney’s gap with very little fuss.
“Assuming it will be available relatively cheaply because of its contractual position, I think Bertrand represents a good addition to the Gunners who deal directly with the the squad needs to be kept short of Tierney ‘s injury problems. “
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