According to Evening Standard, Arsenal are among clubs keeping an eye on Tyrick Mitchell. It is believed that Mikel Arteta is keen on signing a new left-back following the departure of Sead Kolasinac. As a result, he has set his sights on the Crystal Palace youngster, who has had a breakout campaign in the Premier League this term. Mitchell’s contract is reportedly set to expire in the summer, although that claim remains disputed.
Tyrick Mitchell’s Rapid Rise To Prominence
A product of the Crystal Palace youth academy, Mitchell has been quite the find for the Eagles this term. Stepping into the absence of Patrick van Aanholt, the youngster has racked up ten Premier League appearances this season, including the club’s previous four consecutive matches.
Much like Aaron Wan-Bissaka before him, the young fullback has impressed the onlookers with his persistence and discipline. In addition, the 21-year-old has also added a pinch of speed in the wide defensive role, ultimately making Crystal Palace much deadlier on the counter.
However, what makes Mitchell such a sought-after fullback in the Premier League is his defending. He is excellent when it comes to making tackles, having attempted 4.3 tackles per game this season with almost 80% accuracy. Moreover, his tally of almost three clearances per game is reflective of the youngster’s dogged defensive nature.
Is Mitchell A Good Option For Arsenal?
Arsenal are poised to undergo a massive overhaul in the defensive unit as the club looks set to offload fringe players. For one, Sead Kolasinac has already left Emirates on loan, giving Mikel Arteta the ideal opportunity to sign a young fullback like Tyrick Mitchell.
From a sporting perspective, the Crystal Palace left-back can provide competition for Kieran Tierney and Ainsley Maitland-Niles. He could even serve as the primary alternative for Tierney, should Maitland-Niles leave the club in the near future, thus preventing Arteta from relying on players like Bukayo Saka or Cedric (the latter was awful in that particular role against Southampton).
At the age of 21, Mitchell can be an ideal long-term project at Emirates, though a move to north London wouldn’t necessarily make sense for the player himself.
Indeed, the Englishman has become a vital asset for Crystal Palace and considering the game-time at Selhurst Park; he has no reason to leave the club anytime soon. Instead, the fullback could likely remain at Palace for at least one more year and further establish himself as a household name in the Premier League rather than playing as an understudy for Tierney at Arsenal.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
