According to Mirror, Arsenal have opened discussions with PSG right-back Thomas Meunier. The Belgian international has hinted about his potential departure from Paris due to his lack of game-time at the club. And the right-back could finally get the chance to leave Ligue 1 this summer, with both Arsenal and Manchester United interested in his services.
However, the report claims that PSG are demanding £27 million for Meunier – a fee that could consume a fair amount of Arsenal’s reported transfer budget of £45 million this summer. That being said, the Gunners might be able to afford him if they sell some of their unwanted players. But, is he really worth the outlay for Emery?
Meunier’s recent struggles at PSG
Meunier joined PSG in the summer of 2016 in a £5.4 million move from Club Brugge. But, he never really managed to make himself a first-team regular at the French capital. And following the arrival of Dani Alves in 2017, Meunier saw himself become a bit-part player at the club, with the defender featuring in just 1,615 minutes of league football this past season.
The player has been a part of Thomas Tuchel’s heavy squad rotations, with Alves also managing 1,600 something minutes of league football. And this lack of game-time has understandably left the Belgian frustrated.
What can Meunier bring to the table?
Meunier is an attack-oriented right-back, whose immense technical quality allows him to link up with teammates in the final third. He is also athletic and can cover a lot of ground while his willingness to press the opposition ball-carrier makes him quite useful without the ball.
However, what makes him Meunier such an effective fullback is his willingness to run in behind defences and provide dangerous crosses into the box. Additionally, the 27-year-old can also play quick one-twos and breach opposition defences.
Why Meunier will be an ideal fit for Arsenal
Unai Emery played a key role in bringing Meunier to Paris in 2016. And the defender is sure to thrive under the tutelage of the Spaniard at Arsenal. And with Hector Bellerin struggling with injuries, he could play a vital role for the Gunners in the right-back position.
The Belgian international has the technical quality to make himself a real asset to Emery’s high-octane game-play – making him a tailor-made fit for the North London giants.
Although PSG are seemingly persistent on their £27 million valuation for Meunier, it is something Arsenal should consider given their lack of reliable fullback options in the team. Offloading someone like Shkodran Mustafi could go a long way in increasing Emery’s transfer kitty this summer.
