The January transfer window may have just ended but the rumours are already in full flow for the summer. According to reports in the papers, Arsene Wenger is setting his sights on Real Madrid and Portugal’s Fabio Coentrao.
The 26-year-old is Los Blancos’ second-choice left back behind Brazilian Marcelo and could be keen on regular first-team football at the Emirates.
Arsenal would have to stump up an offer in the region of £20m to land the Portuguese who has earned 47 caps for his country.
So what would Coentrao add to this Arsenal team?
Coentrao, 26, is a top left back. In the past he’s been linked with Manchester United and so on and he’s a player that would add quite a bit to any top club. He’s a skillful full back that likes to bomb forwards and his delivery is more than adequate for any top forward. At times his concentration levels are quite poor which has therefore seen Carlo Ancelotti choose Marcelo as his left back rather than the Portuguese.
Even though Coentrao would be an attractive proposition to any football club, this transfer rumour does not make any sense to me.
Coentrao at Arsenal? Arsene Wenger wants to sign him to compete with Kieran Gibbs? I think it’s a no goer personally.
At this moment Nacho Monreal has replaced Kieran Gibbs in the Arsenal line up with some top displays and has been one of the clubs most consistent performers this season. Monreal’s versatility to play in numerous positions has made Wenger decide to call upon his services rather than Gibbs’s.
Arsenal have two quality left backs in their ranks and both are competing with one another to be Arsenal’s top dog in the left back department. A move for Coentrao would make little sense in terms of moving forwards, because we can only play one left back per game!
The gossip has started, but this move is not happening.