Arsenal ramps up interest in Crystal Palace’s Patrick van Aanholt

Arsenal is considering Patrick van Aanholt as an option to bolster their defence.

Arsenal is considering a move for Patrick van Aanholt as a backup left-back option to Kieran Tierney. Enquiries were made for the Dutch international in January.

Arsenal look to bolster their squad in multiple positions as they failed to qualify for any European competition in more than two decades. Manager Mikel Arteta and Technical Director Edu are planning an overhaul of the squad with many expected outgoings and incomings. The north London club has already been linked to Ben White and Albert Sambi Lokonga, as they look to strengthen the spine of the squad. 

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A creative midfielder is also high on the priority list as Arsenal struggled for creativity last season, and there have been credible links to Leicester City’s James Maddison. Andre Onana is also a reported target as current first-choice goalkeeper Bernd Leno has expressed his intentions to leave the club. The possible departure of Alexandre Lacazette or Eddie Nketiah might also see Arsenal signing a striker. A replacement to Hector Bellerin in the right back position is also being prioritsed.

Arsenal’s first choice left-back Kieran Tierney is on international duty with Scotland for the 2020 Euros but is expected to sign a new 5-year deal to extend his stay with the club. However, the injury record of the Scottish international remains a concern and a backup left back is on the transfer target list. Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand is available on a free transfer but according to reports last week talks with the 31-year old defender failed to progress. Hibernian’s Josh Doig was also rumoured to be target but it seems like Arsenal will not make a move for 19-year old teenage fullback.

Crystal Palace’s left back Patrick van Aanholt is rumoured to be a concrete target and enquiries were made for the Dutch international back in January.