Arsenal Opinion: Why Thomas Meunier will be a good fit at the Emirates?
According to a report from France Football, Arsenal manager Unai Emery wants to sign Paris Saint-German star Thomas Meunier this summer. (h/t The Metro)
The Belgian full-back, 27, is poised to leave PSG this summer after dropping down in the pecking order, with Thilo Kehrer and Colin Dagba both preferred by Thomas Tuchel. He was limited to just 19 starts in Ligue 1 this season, where he scored three goals and made as many as many assists.
Thomas Meunier, who is also on the radar of Manchester United, is wanted by Emery at Arsenal after the Spaniard was impressed with the 27-year-old during his time at PSG, the report adds.
PSG are thought to want around £26.5million for the right-back, but any move could be dependent on the Gunners qualifying for the Champions League next season. That makes qualifying for the Champions League so important for Emery and co. if they are to attract top players this summer.
Emery will be pleased with his first season at the Emirates, considering the big boots he had to fill following the departure of Arsene Wenger. But the Spanish manager certainly should be disappointed with the manner with which his team leaked goals at an alarming rate this season.
The Gunners had a shocking campaign as far as the defence is concerned, shipping in massive 51 goals in the Premier League. But the 2018/19 is done and dusted and they are in the Europa League final, which gives Emery’s men the best chance of making it to the Champions League.
Following the Europa League final, the focus must shift to the transfer window and Emery’s first and foremost responsibility will be adding reinforcements to his defence. The full-back department also needs revamping, with Stephan Lichtsteiner expected to leave in the coming months and Nacho Monreal edging towards the twilight of his career.
Hector Bellerin is recovering from a long-term knee injury and while Ainsley Maitland-Niles has done very well in the Spaniard’s absence, Arsenal would do a world of good by signing Thomas Meunier. Meunier is out of favour at PSG which gives Emery a fantastic chance to link up with his former protégé at the Emirates.
Read More Arsenal News, Click Here: Arsenal News
The Belgian is a versatile player, who is capable of not only playing as a right-back but also as a wing-back, right-sided midfielder or in an advanced role on the right. A fantastic crosser of the ball, the 27-year-old combines his passing, dribbling skills, work ethic and defensive acumen to keep attackers at bay. Add that to his rich European pedigree and it makes him a brilliant fit at Arsenal to cover and compete with Bellerin.
Verdict
At 27, Meunier is playing the best football of his career which Arsenal could look to benefit from next season. Thus, signing the Belgian international will be a step in the right direction from Emery.
