Arsenal are reportedly in the market for Leicester City defender James Justin, with Mikel Arteta keen on defensive reinforcements.
According to Fichajes, Arsenal are scouting potential options at right-back, with James Justin being identified as one of their primary targets. It appears Mikel Arteta is determined to add a more offensive alternative for Takehiro Tomiyasu, in an attempt to add more variety in the defensive department.
Justin is believed to be one of three players shortlisted in the Premier League giants’ bid to sign a new right-back. The Leicester City starlet has been picked due to his attacking prowess as well as the ability to operate on both flanks.
The 23-year-old, after all, has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence over the past 18 months ago, becoming an exciting prospect in the full-back positions. He has already notched up 49 competitive appearances for the club, registering four goals and four assists.
As mentioned, Justin is an excellent runner on the flanks who can offer a lot of offensive support for the attackers using marauding runs out wide. It should bode well for an Arsenal side that has used new signing Tomiyasu as their main right-back this season.
The Japanese international has done well to offer solidity at right-back. But Arteta intends to use him as a centre-back in the future while signing a more attack-minded right-back, as well as cashing in on Cedric Soares.
Even Hector Bellerin appears to be facing an uncertain future at Emirates, so it is unsurprising to see Arsenal enter the market for Justin. The 23-year-old’s pace on the flanks should make him an ideal alternative for Tomiyasu while his ability to operate on the opposite flank means he can also cover for Kieran Tierney if required.
Overall, the Leicester City star might prove to be an excellent squad player for Arsenal, who are also in the market for yet another Leicester defender in the form of Caglar Soyuncu.
However, it would be difficult for the Gunners to sanction a move for both the players, with Justin, in particular, having a long-term contract with the Foxes that doesn’t expire until 2025. Soyuncu might be a more realistic target for Arsenal, although the Turkish international is set to cost a fortune in the upcoming January transfer window.
