According to RMC Sport, Arsenal have begun talks with Paris Saint-Germain regarding the potential transfer of Layvin Kurzawa. It is unsure whether the Gunners are willing to sign the left-back for free in the summer or in the ongoing January transfer window. But, a long five-year contract could be on the cards as they look to reinforce their defensive department.
Kurzawa’s spell at PSG
A product of the Monaco youth academy, Kurzawa initially moved to PSG in the summer of 2015, for a fee of €25 million. However, he hasn’t really been able to make a lasting impact in the French capital.
The left-back has often been considered as a rotation player. As a result, he is yet to muster over 2,000 minutes of league football in any of his four seasons in Paris. This season has been no exception, with Thomas Tuchel often juggling between Juan Bernat and Kurzawa in the left-back slot.
Hence, it comes as no surprise that the Frenchman has featured in only 585 minutes of league football this term. And given his lack of game-time at PSG, a move away from the club could make sense as he looks to revive his career. Arsenal, in that regard, could emerge as an interesting destination.
Should Arsenal make a move for Kurzawa?
Arsenal need to consider a host of possibilities if they are to make a move on Kurzawa. First and foremost, the Gunners already have two quality left-backs in Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney. But, both of them have struggled with their fair share of injuries over the past couple of seasons. As a result, they have had to rely on young winger Bukayo Saka, at times this season.
So with that in mind, Kurzawa’s potential arrival at Emirates does make sense. But, it is fair to point out that Arsenal are more in need of a right-back at the moment. First team player Hector Bellerin has struggled with both form and injuries in the past couple of years while Ainsley Maitland-Niles is clearly not ready to play at the highest level of football in the right-back slot.
Hence, it would perhaps be wiser for Arsenal to sign a right-back first. Kurzawa’s PSG teammate Thomas Meunier, in that regard, could be a viable target.
The ideal scenario will be if Arsenal manage to sign Meunier or any other right-back in January while securing the services of Kurzawa on a Bosman deal. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how this transfer saga pans out in the coming days.
