Arsenal have reportedly joined Chelsea in the race to sign Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam.
The report comes from French outlet Le10Sport who suggest that Chelsea are also interested as they may be selling Filipe Luis because he was barely used last season. Arsenal don’t appear to need a left back right now, with the healthy battle between Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs ongoing.
The 24 year old Algerian defender had an impressive season for Napoli, but with the club missing out on Champions League football – Ghoulam may be looking to move on.
Ghoulam can also play as a right back or in left midfield, making him a useful squad addition. The French source citing Arsenal’s interest suggest Napoli could sell for just €15million.
Monreal had been linked with a return to Spain earlier this summer but the player has since denied the speculation. I see no reason for Gibbs to leave, or for him to want to leave. The English defender has been regularly in the treatment room but Arsenal have stuck by him and when he is fit he is a valuable asset – and a homegrown player.
I think Arsenal’s reported interest has probably stemmed from a scout monitoring Ghoulam’s progress – as clubs are always watching hundreds of players. We might be interested, but at this stage we don’t really need another left back, or full back at all.
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