Kevin Campbell insists Arsenal sign up Vladimir Coufal by taking advantage of the Czech International’s contract situation at West Ham.
Arsenal’s right-back situation remains uncertain. Hector Bellerin’s expected departure hasn’t materialised with concrete offers yet to arrive despite some reliable interest from Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid.
Meanwhile, things have progressed during Arsenal’s pre-season; Mikel Arteta seems to be content with Calum Chambers and Cedric Soares featuring at right-back next season. The club remain linked with options, including whispers of a move for Norwich City’s Max Aarons, yet nothing concrete with those so far.
Arteta has time to assess his squad before the August 31st transfer deadline. However, the Premier League season starts in under two weeks, and the manager needs a stable team before that. There is also the possibility of Bellerin staying put, similar to what AS Roma-linked Granit Xhaka has done in the last few days.
However, one former Gunners’ star has suggested the club try and sign West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal before the deadline. The Hammers’ star is in the middle of a contract stand-off with the club. Coufal is not happy with West Ham’s offer citing a lack of significant increase in his wages as the problem.
West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal is becoming increasingly frustrated at the club's failure to meet his expectations as negotiations over a new contract continue.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 26, 2021
Last summer, the Czech international signed on a three-year deal while West Ham holds the option for two years. However, things have been sour with a new contract, and there is a possibility the right-back could be available this summer. Kevin Campbell has been speaking with Football Insider and he insisted Arsenal take advantage of Coufal’s contractual situation and make a move for the impressive right-back.
Campbell said, “Let the party start! It’s one of them, isn’t it? It’s a game of chess. It always is with things like this. He knows what the other players are earning, and the offer they have made to him is obviously derogatory. It’s clearly nowhere near what the others are earning, and that’s the issue. He had a really good season last year. He’s really good, and he deserves to be paid accordingly. I would love him at Arsenal.”
While the argument is there to be debated, Coufal may not be an easy target for Arsenal. As it stands, the Gunners have far more pressing issues in attacking midfield to be solved. A new right-back is certainly needed; the club will have to offload few existing ones first.
Coufal could be a good addition, although it’s unclear if he would fit Arteta’s system. Secondly, West Ham will bank upon his impressive debut season and ask for a significant transfer fee for the 28-year-old.
