Arsenal are reportedly working on a deal to sign Club Brugge defender Maxim De Cuyper, as per transfer journalist Graeme Bailey.
The Gunners’ left-back position has been in a state of flux in recent years. Oleksandr Zinchenko was initially their primary option for this role but the Ukrainian isn’t potent enough in defensive contributions.
Therefore, Mikel Arteta decided to strengthen the left side of defence by signing Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna last summer and he even enjoyed a promising start to this season.
However, he has been struggling with injury problems in recent times so Arteta has used Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the LB role amid the Italian’s absence.
Now, on TBR Football, Bailey says that Arsenal are planning to sign a new left-sided defender in the upcoming January window and have expressed their interest in De Cuyper.
De Cuyper to Arsenal
The Gunners have been keeping a close eye on the 23-year-old’s displays in recent times and their scouts were in attendance to watch him in action against Genk last weekend – where he helped his side win the game 2-0.
Therefore, having been impressed by his recent eye-catching performances, the Emirates club have already started working to sign him next month.
The youngster is 6ft tall and is a left-back but can also play on the opposite side. He enjoyed a stellar campaign in the Belgian top-flight last term, making 13 goal contributions in 37 matches.
Now, he continued to showcase excellent performance in the Pro League this season, making three goal contributions and keeping six clean-sheets in 17 appearances.
He is a talented player and possesses high potential so he could be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal with a view to the long-term future if they purchase him.
However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually decide to secure his service in the winter window to strengthen the defence.
Meanwhile, following a disappointing 0-0 draw against Everton in the Premier League last weekend, Arteta’s side will take on Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup midweek before facing off against the same opposition in the league next weekend.