Arsenal latest to join Monaco summer raid as defender nears early exit

If there’s one thing that will cheer Arsenal fans up right now, it’s a link with one of the most sought after full-backs in European football. And luckily for Gooners, not only are their side ‘reportedly very interested’ (according to L’Equipe) in Djibril Sidibe, they’re also favourites to sign him.

The 24-year old may have only moved to Monaco last summer, but he’s done enough this season to suggest a move to a bigger club could be on the cards.

And as things stand, Arsenal are leading the way at 3/1 in the battle for his signature, ahead of the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United who are 5/1 and 7s respectively.

Predominantly a left-back, Sidibe also boasts the ability to play on the right flank – and it’s that kind of versatility which makes him a potentially great signing.

The Gunners might boast one of the most promising right-backs in the Premier League in Hector Bellerin, but after that, they look desperately short for cover on that side of the defence, while Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal both failing to impress the majority at the Emirates.

And despite arriving from Lille for a fee of £12.75m less than a year ago, in truth the Ligue 1 leaders wouldn’t miss him all that much.

That’s because they have a replacement in Almamy Toure who at 20 years of age is ready and waiting for his chance in the first-team.

Valued at £12m by transfermarkt.co.uk, it’s likely the Gunners would have to spend somewhere in the region of £20m for Sidibie’s services. But that could certainly prove to be value for money for a player with four assists and two goals to his name this year in Ligue 1 – that’s more than Gibbs and Monreal have managed combined.

He’s also played every minute of Monaco’s Champions League run this season, scoring against Tottenham Hotspur in the process – another fact to warm Gooners’ hearts.

What do fans think? Would Sidibe be a good signing for the Gunners this summer? Have your say in the comments section below!

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing