MIKEL ARTETA will look towards Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand to provide competition at left-back, according to reports.
Scottish international Kieran Tierney has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season having made that spot his own.
Ryan Bertrand is out of contract at Southampton in the summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But the Spaniard admitted he is in the market to add strength in depth in that position.
Tierney’s understudy Sead Kolasinac was allowed to leave on loan this month.
And while Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Bukayo Saka can fill the void, Arteta is aware it is a position he needs to invest in.
According to Goal, Bertrand is eyed as a potential target with his Saints deal expiring in the summer.
It means the England international could leave Saint Mary’s for a bargain fee to avoid losing him for nothing in six month’s time.
It is claimed that Arsenal have made contact with the 31-year-old’s representatives over a potential deal.
But it remains to be seen whether the player would be willing to be back-up after playing regularly for the Saints.
Speaking on Arteta’s transfer plans, he said: “With the departure of Kola, we are a little bit short with left-footed full-backs at the moment.
“We know we can use Ainsley there, we can use Bukayo there and we can use Cedric – who has played in that position – so we have some options.
“A natural option to Kieran? Obviously, we don’t. But we can adapt.
“That means that the option is open and we will look to see what is available.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
