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5 possible defenders for Arsenal to target this summer

By Kevin Parvizi

Unai Emery manager of Arsenalduring during English Premier League between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Wembley stadium, in London, England on 2 Mar 2019. (Photo by Action Foto Sport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Unai Emery manager of Arsenalduring during English Premier League between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Wembley stadium, in London, England on 2 Mar 2019. (Photo by Action Foto Sport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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PARIS, FRANCE – FEBRUARY 26: Thomas Meunier #12 of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates his goal with Juan Bernat Velasco #14 of Paris Saint-Germain during the Coupe de France game between Paris Saint-Germain and Dijon FCO at Parc des Princes on February 26, 2019 in Paris, France. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – FEBRUARY 26: Thomas Meunier #12 of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates his goal with Juan Bernat Velasco #14 of Paris Saint-Germain during the Coupe de France game between Paris Saint-Germain and Dijon FCO at Parc des Princes on February 26, 2019 in Paris, France. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images) /

Thomas Meunier

There aren’t many notable fullbacks on Arsenal’s radar this summer, but Thomas Meunier has dominated the headlines. He has only one year left on his contract, so PSG are fully expected to sell the 28-year-old. Two Premier League clubs have emerged as the best possible landing spots for Meunier, and Arsenal and Manchester United could be headed for another competition for a notable defender’s signature.

United appear to be the favorites to sign Meunier, but Arsenal have reportedly sent a 25 million euro bid to PSG for the right back’s services.

Arsenal have Hector Bellerin as a fixture at the position, but backup Stephan Lichsteiner left after an unsuccessful loan season as a free agent signing. Meunier isn’t a pure defender like Lichsteiner at the position, but he’s less prone to silly fouls and has a lot more left in the tank. Furthermore, Meunier is more of a wing back and is one of the best attacking right backs in Europe.

Meunier wouldn’t be the strongest signing for Arsenal, since they have Bellerin and need to focus more on center backs who can beef up their defense under Emery. But Meunier is a proven, affordable starter who can greatly aid Arsenal’s attack down the wings.

It may be best for Arsenal to save their money on other players, though, as 21-year-old Ainsley Maitland-Niles has impressed in stretches. He can also play as an attacking-minded right back. Maitland-Niles isn’t as polished technically as Meunier, but he can also provide plenty of running and dangerous balls into the box.

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