Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a move for Udinese star Silvan Widmer as a potential replacement for Hector Bellerin, who is a prime target for several clubs.
According to TransferMarketWeb, Arsenal are looking to create contingency plans in case Hector Bellerin ends up leaving. The Spaniard has been linked to the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and more. And the Gunners are looking at Udinese star Silvan Widmer as a potential replacement for the right-back.
Hector Bellerin had a blitzing start to his senior footballing career, establishing himself very quickly within the first-team setup at Arsenal after given a look-in. Interest from his boyhood club Barcelona followed suit. But, with the Gunners resistant to any and all approaches, the Catalans opted to sign Nelson Semedo in Bellerin’s stead.
However, Arsene Wenger’s decision to change to a back three seems to have affected Hector Bellerin’s form, with the Spaniard not able to adapt well to the right wing-back position while being incapable of adjusting in the back three due to the overburdening defensive duties for players in that position.
There have been genuine echoes for Hector Bellerin to be dropped. But, Arsenal do lack genuine alternatives in the position that can naturally replace Bellerin. Add to that the interest from Juventus and it isn’t as much a surprise that Arsenal are looking at options to reinforce the right side.
Arsenal will make a move for Udinese defender Silvan Widmer if Héctor Bellerín leaves the club. (Source: TMW) #AFC #Udinese pic.twitter.com/VRJDHTfIeV
— Transfer Centre Live (@TransferCenLive) December 12, 2017
Silvan Widmer is one such option. The 24-year-old has been impressive since joining Udinese in the summer of 2013 and has attracted a lot of interest as well. Contracted to Udinese till 2020, the player is now a target for Arsenal.
January is unlikely to see the move go through, with the player a key component in Udinese’s first-team setup. Widmer does seem an ideal option, regardless of when Arsenal decide to turn their interest into a real offer. The 24-year-old possesses the ability to play both as a right back and a right midfielder.
And with Wenger looking for a right wing-back, Widmer would be one that would be able to slot in more naturally compared to Hector Bellerin.
The Swiss international will have compatriot Granit Xhaka for company at Emirates, if he does end up making the move. There has been no mention of a fee but Arsenal will likely be able to negotiate a transfer for the Swiss international. A deal that looks good on paper, but one that does not look like one that is going to happen in January.