According to Daily Star, wantaway Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno has rejected advances from Arsenal. It is believed that the Spaniard is keen to return to La Liga and play in the UEFA Champions League next season, snubbing the North London giants in the process.
However, Moreno’s rejection could actually be a blessing in disguise for Arsenal as they aim to kickstart a new era under Unai Emery next season.
Moreno’s struggles in Liverpool
Moreno joined Liverpool back in 2014 in an €18 million move from Sevilla. He was a key figure in the backline during his first two seasons at the club. But, his importance at Liverpool took a massive hit following the arrival of Jurgen Klopp.
Although the Spaniard did manage 32 appearances during the 2015/16 campaign, he became a bit-part player in the next two seasons. And after the emergence of Andy Robertson last season, Moreno’s overall game-time was drastically minimised with the Spaniard featuring in just two league games this past season.
Even when Robertson has been unavailable, Klopp has opted for someone like James Milner in the left-back slot. As a result, he has decided to leave the club this summer, with his current contract at Liverpool expiring at the end of this month.
Why Moreno would have been a bad signing for Arsenal
One of the biggest reasons behind Moreno’s downfall at Liverpool was his inconsistency. The 26-year-old never really managed to carry on with his performances on a consistent basis, which, in turn, allowed Robertson to break into the first-team during the 2017/18 campaign.
And that makes him no better than Arsenal’s very own inconsistent left-back in Sead Kolasinac. Another key factor that makes Moreno a misfit at Arsenal is his lack of defensive work-ethic. That means the Spaniard is bound to struggle in Emery’s four at the back, where fullbacks play a crucial role in providing defensive cover for the central defenders.
Also, Moreno can be extremely sloppy at times when it comes to passing. And his decision making in the final third is often poor, thus raising doubts over his capability of adapting to Emery’s highly detailed tactical philosophy at Arsenal.
At the same time, however, the Gunners are in desperate need of a new fullback, with Kolasinac being linked with a move elsewhere. As for Nacho Monreal, he faces an uncertain future at the club. But one thing is for sure – Moreno was not the right man to improve the Arsenal backline, and it will be interesting to see who does Emery target next in his pursuit of signing a new left-back.
