According to a report from Mirror, Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy has reportedly been informed that he is free to depart the club during the summer transfer window. It is believed that Arsenal, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, are considering the possibility of acquiring the left-back to enhance their squad depth.
Mendy’s Struggling Campaign With Real Madrid So Far
In the summer of 2019, Ferland Mendy joined Real Madrid from the renowned French club Lyon, where he had made a name for himself after initially emerging from the youth academy at Le Harve. The left-back has started in only 15 La Liga games acquiring one assist, and has just five UCL appearances due to a combination of injury struggles and a dip in form this season. As a result, he has slipped down the ranks under manager Carlo Ancelotti, with Nacho Fernandez, a long-serving defender, frequently preferred, and former Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger sometimes being deployed in the left-back position.
The French sensation has struggled in the backline after only averaging 1.2 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 0.5 clearances, 1.1 dribbles and 0.8 key passes per game in the Spanish first division. However, he has been accurate with his ball distribution after averaging 92.2% of his attempted passes in the Spanish top flight (stats via whoscored).
Should Arteta Bring Him To Arsenal?
Real Madrid is reportedly seeking to create room in their squad and generate funds for new signings by selling players during the summer transfer window. Among those deemed to be surplus to the club’s requirements is Mendy, whose contract runs until June 2025.
Los Blancos have denied Mendy a new offer and have permitted his representatives to seek out a new club for him. It is understood that the left-back is seeking a three-year contract, and the Gunners will have the opportunity to sign him.
However, they already have Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney in the left-back position; the latter’s future at the Emirates Stadium remains uncertain as he has not been seeing as much playing time he desires. So if Tierney decides to make an exit, then Mendy would be a decent replacement.
Ferland Mendy’s ability to play on either foot would be a valuable asset for Mikel Arteta‘s squad depth at Arsenal, providing flexibility and options on the left side of the pitch. Moreover, his experience playing big games for Real Madrid would add valuable depth to Arsenal‘s squad as they seek to compete at the highest level in the Premier League and the Champions League.
