Arsenal fans are in for a surprise as their team have shown an interest in signing AS Monaco’s right back Djibril Sidibe. The Frenchman missed a good chunk of last season due to injury, however, he recovered in time for the World Cup and ended up as a World Cup winner with France.
French newspaper L’Equipe are claiming that Arsenal are paying attention towards Sidibe’s situation as he was earlier linked with a move to Manchester United. Even Atletico Madrid were once said to be in advanced talks for the defender but nothing materialised.
The move is surprising for the Gunners as they have an already viable option in Hector Bellerin and on top of that, they have added the veteran Stephan Lichsteiner to their squad. The likes of Callum Chambers and Carl Jenkinson have also played in the right-back spot so there is no dearth of depth and even quality currently in that department. Maybe Unai Emery is thinking of Sidibe as a long-term option at the club as Lichsteiner won’t be around at the top level for long.
Sidibe managed just one appearance in the World Cup against Denmark in the dead rubber encounter. Didier Deschamps preferred the rather unknown Benjamin Pavard over him and the Stuttgart fullback did go on to justify his selection by putting in some stellar displays.
Sidibe was a regular feature for his side last term as he made 35 appearances in all competitions. The 25-year-old is adept at going forward and at defending as well. The French fullback managed a tally of 3 goals and 9 assists. He will be a valuable addition for a team who are in need of right back and given the options Arsenal have, they are not in an immediate need of a right-sided fullback until and unless there are some departures from the club.
The North London outfit are looking for a new beginning under Unai Emery after Arsene Wenger stepped down from the top job after more than two decades of service. The Spaniard’s goal will be to secure a top 4 spot in the upcoming season and for that, they will need to add reinforcements to their squad.
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Sidibe is known for his physicality and pace down the right wing and his style of play will suit the English game. The Gunners have some other areas to look after and maybe they should use their transfer funds on consolidating other positions instead of going for a right back where they are already well covered.
