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Why a New Right-Back Could Be Arsenal’s Priority in the January Transfer Window
- Updated: November 29, 2016
It’s a curious state of affairs: Arsenal have three international right-backs, yet they could still find themselves chasing another.
Despite the presence of Hector Bellerin, Mathieu Debuchy and Carl Jenkinson in the squad—a trio who have been capped for Spain, France and England respectively, it’s still something of a problem position for manager Arsene Wenger.
When the January transfer window opens, Wenger is likely to be on the hunt for a new right-back to augment his options—and one or two of the current contingent could be on the way out of the club.
Bellerin isn’t going anywhere. The Spaniard, 21, recently extended his contract with the club and is an integral part of the Arsenal team. There can’t be many right-backs who play such an important role in determining the attacking identify of their club.
Although Bellerin completed his footballing education with the Gunners, he is a Barcelona boy, and his marauding performances are reminiscent of the manner in which Dani Alves redefined the position in his time at the Camp Nou.
The problem for Arsenal is that there is a huge gap in quality between Bellerin and his potential replacements. The academy product is sidelined currently with an ankle ligament injury, and the north London side miss him badly.
Bellerin’s fantastic recovery pace and combative spirit make him an important defender, but what he offers going forward is just as valuable.
Arsenal tend to play with wingers who move infield—Theo Walcott being a prime example. The England international’s goalscoring instincts see him take up positions within the width of the penalty box, so it is incumbent on Bellerin to offer the team width with his driving runs to the byline. When he is out of the side, the Gunners are more narrow and less effective.
When Bellerin was ruled out, Arsenal turned to Jenkinson. The former Charlton Athletic man had spent 18 months on loan with West Ham United before a knee injury cut his 2015/16 campaign short. Fit again, the 24-year-old was reintroduced to the Gunners fold, even starting the match against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Explaining Jenkinson’s recall, Wenger told Sky Sports (h/t the Metro): “He went away on loan and played many games for West Ham. He is fit and ready, he played away in the Champions League against Ludogorets and did very well.”
He did play many games for West Ham, but Jenkinson’s time in east London was not quite the …
