According to Sport, as cited by Mirror, Arsenal have made attempts to sign Layvin Kurzawa this summer. The PSG left-back will be available as a free agent, with his current contract expiring at the end of the campaign. However, the Gunners are set to face stiff competition from FC Barcelona while Napoli are also interested in his services.
Kurzawa’s struggles at PSG
Kurzawa has fallen out of favour under current manager Thomas Tuchel. The Frenchman has failed to impress the ex-Borussia Dortmund coach. As a result, he has primarily been utilised as a backup for Juan Bernat.
As a matter of fact, Kurzawa failed to muster over 1,000 minutes of league football last season. It has been pretty much the same story this season as well, with the defender only amassing nine starts in Ligue 1. Bernat has predominantly been the first-choice left-back for PSG.
Kurzawa certainly doesn’t have any future at PSG, especially with his contract expiring at the end of the campaign. It could, therefore, be an ideal time for him to find pastures new.
Why Arsenal must sign Kurzawa
Arsenal reinforced their left-back department with the addition of Kieran Tierney last summer. He was brought in as the desired replacement for Nacho Monreal. But, the Scot has struggled with injury and hasn’t featured in the first-team for a continuous period.
Meanwhile, Sead Kolasinac’s injury problems have also remained intact. As a result, manager Mikel Arteta has had to rely on young and inexperienced Bukayo Saka. The 18-year-old hasn’t disappointed, but his lack of defensive contribution means he cannot be considered as a reliable long-term option for Arsenal at left-back.
That’s where Kurzawa could come into the fray. The PSG star has gained vast experienced at the highest level of football, having made 150 appearances in Ligue 1. He also has the experience of playing in the UEFA Champions League. And having won several league titles with PSG, Kurzawa can undoubtedly bring that winning mentality into the Arsenal side.
But more importantly, he can provide Arteta with a reliable alternative to Tierney while allowing the gaffer the option to offload the injury-prone Kolasinac in the summer. This little manoeuvre in the left-back department will ultimately add more balance into the Arsenal backline that has struggled to keep up with the rigours of the Premier League this season.
Also, the fact that Kurzawa is available for free makes him a financially viable target for an Arsenal side that is expected to make some moves in the transfer market this summer.
