According to French news outlet Soccerlink, Arsenal have launched an enquiry in regards to the availability of PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe. The Gunners are keen to bolster their defensive department after a turbulent campaign. And it is believed that Kimpembe has emerged as one of their top targets this summer. The report claims that Arsenal have contacted the player’s father over the possibility of the potential move to Premier League.
The intense competition for Kimpembe in PSG’s central defensive department
A product of the PSG youth academy, Kimpembe broke through the first-team under Unai Emery back in the 2016/17 campaign. Since then, he has become a reliable option for the club in central defence.
However, the 23-year-old has had to deal with immense competition in the centre-back position, of late, with PSG boasting the services of four quality defenders. Marquinhos and Thiago Silva, despite being 34, have been the two first-team regulars.
But aside from them, last summer’s star recruit Thilo Kehrer has also notched up 2,953 minutes of football in the recently concluded campaign. And this has drastically minimised the overall game-time for Kimpembe, who has featured in just 2,009 minutes of league action this past season.
What can Kimpembe offer to the table?
Kimpembe is generally labelled as a ball-playing defender, who isn’t afraid to come out of his line and provide forward balls to midfielders and wingers. The Frenchman notably attained an astonishing pass completion rate of 93% – a tally only bettered by the experienced Silva. He can also launch long-balls and initiate counter-attacks from deep.
Defensively, Kimpembe has had a success rate of only 47%, which is shocking given his tall 1.89m frame. But, he more than makes up for it with his strength and overall athleticism.
Why Kimpembe would be an ideal signing for Arsenal
Kimpembe’s potential move to Arsenal will give him the opportunity to reunite with Emery, who played a key role in shaping up the early stages of his career. The youngster is sure to thrive under the Spaniard and his ball-playing abilities could make him an ideal partner to a much more robust figure of Sokratis at the heart of Arsenal’s four-man backline.
That being said, Kimpembe may not be a realistic target for Arsenal at the moment if we consider their slender budget this summer. The 23-year-old is already one of the most promising up and coming centre-backs in Europe and is sure to cost a fortune for the Gunners.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
