The Gunners are reportedly tracking Manchester United outcast Luke Shaw. The Ex-Southampton defender has failed to establish himself and keep his place in the starting eleven. After a series of injuries, the left-back has now fallen out with the manager, Jose Mourinho.
He’s being tipped for a loan move in January before a permanent transfer can take place in the summer. The Telegraph has stated that Arsenal are keeping a close eye on the defender’s situation at Old Trafford, with Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton also interested.
Manchester United will now look to generate some funds from the sale of the injury-stricken defender whom they bought for £28million in 2014.
It is also being reported that the Red Devils have invoked a 12-month extension option on his current contract which means that the 22-year-old left back is under contract until 2019.
Luke Shaw has made 49 appearances at Manchester United, making three assists. The defender has earned plaudits for his pace, physicality and dribbling.
The Gunners are currently boasting two in-form left-backs, Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolašinac. So a need for another left-sided defender is secondary. Yet, the pressures to cope with four competitions during the season require the club to have a strong squad. Although expensive, the Englishman will be a perfect squad player for the Gunners if Arsene Wenger decides to splash the cash on him.
The only other reason why this move will make sense for the North London club is if Wenger decides to replace one of his left-backs.
Sead Kolašinac has started the season really well and has arguably been Arsenal’s best player so far. The Bosnia-Herzegovina international has made 13 appearances, scoring and assisting 3 goals each for the Gunners this season.
While he can be considered as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, Nacho Monreal has also been an effective member of this Arsenal team. Whenever required, the Spanish defender has stepped up and delivered this season. The 31-year-old veteran defender who’s under contract at Arsenal until June 2019, has made 14 appearances for the club this season. He has also scored against Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton in the Premier League.
The Gunners’ boss, Arsene Wenger’s style of play will suit the game of Luke Shaw, but it is unclear whether the English defender who has been plagued by injuries all throughout his career can remain fit enough to last a whole season.
To say that Manchester United need to get rid of him more than Arsenal need him right now might not be too far-fetched.
