Go for it Arteta – Arsenal signing this £17m-rated Olympiacos ace would add depth to a key area

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Rohan Sengupta

Why Arsenal must make a move for Kostas Tsimikas in the summer

In February, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal were linked with Olympiacos left-back Kostas Tsimikas. (h/t The Express)

Kostas Tsimikas, 23, has been a regular fixture in the Olympiacos side this season. He has made 35 appearances across all competitions and played in every Champions League match of the Greek outfit, where he shone against the likes of Tottenham and Bayern Munich.

In fact, the left-back was a part of the Olympiacos side that eliminated Arsenal from the Europa League in the round of 32. With Tsimikas enjoying a strong campaign with the Greek giants, Arsenal must make a move for the defender when the transfer window opens in the summer.

Konstantinos Tsimikas of Olympiakos in action during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 second leg match between Arsenal FC and Olympiacos FC at Emirates Stadium on February 27, 2020. (Getty Images)
Konstantinos Tsimikas of Olympiakos in action during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 second leg match between Arsenal FC and Olympiacos FC at Emirates Stadium on February 27, 2020. (Getty Images)

Slowly but surely, it seems like Mikel Arteta’s philosophy is starting to have a positive impact on the side he inherited from Unai Emery last December. The Gunners registered three consecutive Premier League victories before it was announced last week that all elite football action in Britain would be suspended until April 3 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

But should the season resume in little under three weeks’ time, the Gunners will be raring to keep their unbeaten run going in the league and achieve a top-four spot at the end of the season. Keeping that in mind, Arteta must start preparing for the next season and draw out his potential list of summer transfer targets.

Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac have faced a lot of injury issues and the manager has turned towards Bukayo Saka to cover the left-back area. He has done well so far despite playing in a different position. Therefore, signing Kostas Tsimikas would allow Arteta to move Saka to his natural position.

Kieran Tierney (Getty Images)
Kieran Tierney has endured an injury-hit debut campaign with Arsenal. (Getty Images)

Tsimikas has been a consistent performer for Olympiacos over the last two seasons. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a fine 2019/20 campaign, producing seven assists in all competitions while catching the eye with his defending.

The left-back, who produced an assist against Bayern Munich and caused Tottenham a few headaches in North London during Olympiacos’ Champions League campaign, has represented Greece three times so far.

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Mikel Arteta shakes hands with his Arsenal players. (Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta shakes hands with his Arsenal players. (Getty Images)

The Thessaloniki-born defender has racked up close to 130 appearances in his club career, which includes representing clubs such as Olympiacos, Esbjerg and Willem II. Tsimikas has potential and could be a smart signing for Mikel Arteta’s side given his young age.

Verdict

The three-cap Greece international would add strength to Arsenal’s left-back area. Valued at £17million, Tsimikas could be a good long-term investment for the Gunners.