Both Liverpool and Arsenal could do with signing a left back this summer. The Gunners have Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal, but the problem is there have been reports that Gibbs could leave due to his inability to regain his lost position as Arsenal’s number one left back. And for this reason, Arsenal need to bring in someone to replace the England international.
The Gunners have been linked with the signing of Ricardo Rodriguez as well as Djribil Sibibe, who has since gone to AS Monaco. These links to left backs is, in my opinion, an indication that Wenger wants to bring in one left back to either replace Gibbs or to be an understudy to Monreal, who is 30 already and likely to leave the club in the not-too-distant future.
Liverpool, on the other hand, don’t have a reliable left back. They have Alberto Moreno, but there have been murmurs in the media that manager Jurgen Klopp feels he could do better than the Spaniard.
Spanish international defender Alberto Moreno was last season the Reds’ preferred choice at left back, but the former Sevilla defender was heavily criticised for his inconsistency throughout the season. Moreno offers a lot going forward, but the defender failed to perform his defensive duties consistently.
To improve their respective rearguards, it appears both Arsenal and Liverpool are set to fight it out for a chance to sign Leicester City teenager left-back Ben Chilwell. According to reports, both Arsene Wenger and Jurgen Klopp have their eyes fixed on signing the 19-year-old.
However, if you believe former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, the Reds are set to beat the Gunners to the signing of the left back, who has also been linked with a move to Tottenham.
Some other reports doing the rounds suggest that Liverpool are not willing to pay the Foxes’ asking price of about $13 million. According to Goal, the Reds have already tabled a £7 million offer, which is about $9 million, but the reigning Premier League champions are dissatisfied with the offer, as they feel their prized asset is worth more.
Liverpool’s reluctance to match Leicester City’s asking price could work in Arsenal’s favour should Wenger see value. The problem is, the Frenchman hardly ever sees value. Hence, Wenger is yet to sign a classy striker for the Gunners since Robin van Persie left.
In conclusion, it remains to be seen who, among the two interested clubs, will end up with the signature of the young Englishman, but surely, Leicester City won’t sell for under their valuation. At least, that’s the impression given by the media right now.
