In a bid to strengthen his side’s defence, Arsene Wenger is reportedly interested in bringing the highly-rated Monaco right-back to the Emirates this summer.
Arsenal’s horrendous transfer window was followed by a disappointing start to the 2016/17 Premier League campaign. In the home game against Liverpool, the Gunners looked all over the place in the second half as they were completely outplayed by the Reds.
After his side’s disappointing defeat, Wenger was quoted by the BBC as saying: “We played a very good first half and were unlucky to concede a goal just before half-time because the free-kick was very harsh.
“I have said many times we are working very hard to get one or two players in. I don’t know what you call desperate. They [any signings Arsenal make before the transfer window closes] need to make sense and be of quality.”
The Frenchman’s interest in Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi is probably one of the worst kept secrets of this summer window. It appeared that the two parties had come to an agreement over a transfer fee, but the deal now seems to have hit a roadblock as Mustafi is readying himself for Monday’s La Liga opener. Hoffenheim defender Fabian Schar has also been eyed as a potential backup to Mustafi. But if recent reports are to believed, Wenger is plotting a move for Monaco defender Marcel Tisserand.
According to France Football (h/t 90 Min), Arsenal are interested in signing Monaco’s highly-rated defender Marcel Tisserand. Despite being a right-back by trade, the Frenchman is equally effective when deployed as a centre-back. Tisserand, 23, has failed to establish himself as a regular in the Monaco side, but impressed on loan at Toulouse last term. He became a mainstay in the Ligue 1 side as he made a total of 33 appearances in the 2015/16 La Liga campaign.
His ability to play in numerous positions would give Wenger the multi-functional player that he has been on the lookout for. Given he is only 23, Tisserand will also have a high resale value should he not fit into the Gunners’ setup. Also, the French defender has significant experience playing in the top-flight — something which Arsenal’s backup defenders do not possess. He is also a decent tackler of the ball and is efficient at handling aerial duels. If nurtured well, Tisserand could go on to become a world-class defender at Arsenal.
