It’s looking likely Arsenal will be on the lookout for at least one new right-back this summer.

The Daily Mail has suggested that Hector Bellerin and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta may have come to an agreement to let the Spanish full-back go during the next transfer window. To be honest Bellerin hasn’t be quite up to scratch in recent seasons and it could be an ideal time for all involved if he were to depart in the near future.

That would leave Cedric Soares as the club’s only other recognised right-back and while the Portuguese internationalist is a reliable squad player, he’s not good enough to be classed as an automatic starter.

Here are four right-backs that may have potentially piqued Arteta’s interest:

EMERSON – REAL BETIS – FC BARCELONA

Ok let’s start by trying to figure out who actually owns Emerson. It seems both Real Betis and Barcelona own half the player, with Betis currently holding his rights but with Barca having a €6m option to sign him this summer.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Barca taking advantage of this clause and then selling the Brazilian on. Not because of his ability but more due to there need to raise cash at the moment.

That could allow Arsenal the chance to swoop in.

He’s a direct runner, who doesn’t miss a chance to attack the opposition down the right flank. Has the tricks to get beyond opponents and he can also deliver a wicked ball from wide positions.

The twenty-two year old has one Brazilian cap to his name and has all the attributes that makes us hark back to Dani Alves.

Defensively Emerson stands up well to those running at him, he makes smart interceptions and tracks back vigorously.

In La Liga this term the right-sided defender has contributed with a goal and four assists. More importantly he averages 2.8 tackles per game, has a passing success percentage that’s above 80% and makes around 2.4 clearances per league out too (Stats – Whoscored).

Could be a viable option if all the cards fall in the right place this summer between Betis and Barca.

RUBEN AGUILAR – AS MONACO

At twenty-seven years of age, Aguilar would offer a more experienced head than the others on this list.

He rampaging runs, his superb crosses and his solid tackles have made him invaluable this term. So much so that Didier Deschamps gave Ruben his first Les Bleus cap back in November.

Aguilar is a tough opponent to beat and also a strong competitor whilst on the ball. Ruben is also good in aerial challenges, winning almost two per game.

Mikel Arteta would also be impressed by the fact Ruben Aguilar has a passing success rate that touches 86%.

The all action defender has scored twice and created two assists in the league. His measured and often standout performances this term have propelled Monaco up the league and they’re still challenging for the Ligue 1 title.

Definitely a player who would give his all for the cause.

NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – AJAX

As we all know, Ajax is like a conveyor belt for creating exciting talented players and Noussair seems to fit the bill.

The talented Moroccan international uses his pace to his advantage, both defensively and in attack. He can stay touch tight to wingers as he’ll bet on himself winning any potential foot race. He can also make his speed count when cleaning up any other mistakes in the backline. He can then use his pace as a good transitional tool to get the ball out of defence and into attacking positions.

Mazraoui is also dogged in the challenge and often won’t give up.

Likes bursting forward and can create either when hugging the touchline or by cutting inside and laying the ball off. That could see him develop a devastating understanding with Bukayo Saka at the Emirates (if he were to sign for The Gunners).

Could do with adding more assists to his game.

The right-back does have Champions League experience and it was in that competition where he showed how good he can be defensively, making over three tackles per European appearance!

At just twenty-three years of age, Mazraoui still has time to develop and learn from Arteta.

MAX AARONS – NORWICH CITY

England currently have an abundance of top quality right-backs at their disposal and Max Aarons is the one that is impressing for the under-21s.

The twenty-one year old enjoyed a good spell in the Premier League last season and he’s kicked on again this year in the Championship.

A very composed and accomplished performer, Aarons is extremely comfortable on the ball. He is also his side’s main outlet in bringing the ball out of defence and constantly has an awareness of what’s around him.

Max enjoys and even seems to thrive in one-on-one battles.

Canaries major shareholder Deila Smith has already stated she expects to lose the full-back before too long and has tipped him to become one of the world’s best players:

“They’ve got a nice temperament and Max Aarons is one of the best. He is going to be one of the top footballers and it won’t be at Norwich.”

Via Sky Sports

A stumbling block could be the potential fee for the player. Norwich may want as much as £35m, with German giants Bayern Munich rumoured suitors (Source – FourFourTwo).

But if Arsenal want to compete at the top and want to bring in top English talent, then that all comes at a hefty price!

Posted on March 26th, 2021 by scott
Filed under: Article