Wins more tackles than Sagna: Arsenal target bombarding full-back

According to the Mirror, Arsene Wenger will make an ambitious move for Everton’s Seamus Coleman if current right back Bacary Sagna fails to sign a new deal.

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The two clubs met at the Emirates Stadium, yesterday, in an important Premier League encounter. Following a 1-1 draw, the spoils were split one apiece. The Gunners are now five points clear at the top of the table, while Roberto Martinez’s side sit in fifth.

Coleman, of course, featured for the away side in this fixture, playing a full 90 minutes whilst earning himself a Performance Score of 33.

The 25-year-old is now a regular for the Toffees and having recently signed a long-term contract, he has seemingly committed his future to Goodison Park. Alan Nixon of the Sunday People believes his price could be as high as £10 million.

Obviously Wenger would prefer to keep Sagna, rather than splash out on a replacement for the French full-back. His early season form has been excellent and he has certainly earned the plaudits he has received from supporters analysing the team’s games. In 12 appearances has earned a cumalative Performance Score of 305 points, ranking him as one of the London club’s top players. In the short term, giving the 30-year-old a new deal is likely to prove better value than paying for an alternative.

However, should Sagna leave as a free agent at the end of the season, Wenger will be in need of a replacement. With this in mind, Seamus Coleman could be the ideal candidate.

The Irishman has been in fine form for the Merseyside club so far this campaign, as the Toffees have remained unbeaten in all-but-one of their opening 15 matches. Coleman has played in every game during this period, establishing himself as a key player for the Blues with a performance score of 497 points.

Coleman has improved a great deal over the last few seasons and his playing style is now an important factor behind Everton’s success. A bundle of energy, he is the perfect full-back. He can often he can be seen in the opposition half supporting his team’s attacks, yet he is also a very capable defender.

He is a player not lacking in pace and, what’s more, his final ball is not bad at all. This season he has created 18 chances in total, with one assist to his name. He offers a constant threat down the right wing, adding a new dimension to each Everton attack. In essence, he is a very similar player to his much lauded club team-mate, Leighton Baines.

Chances created by Coleman this season

Over the years, Coleman has also added goals to his game. This season he has scored on two occasions, once against Norwich and another versus Stoke. Both of these strikes have come from within the penalty area. Clearly he is not afraid to involve himself in the opposition’s half of the pitch. A trait required for all modern full-backs.

Coleman would fit in superbly at Arsenal. His positioning would allow the current attacking midfielders, i.e. Cazorla, Wilshere and Walcott, to tuck inside to further support the lone striker. This is of course perfect for the current system. His ability going forward would fall hand-in-hand with the Gunners love of attacking football, in terms of playing style, the 25-year-old could be the perfect recruit.

As previously mentioned, Coleman is also a sound player defensively. This season Everton have conceded just 14 times, boasting the second best defence in the league, just three goals behind Arsenal. The Irishman has been an integral part of the Toffees strength at the back. Having completed an average of six actions per match, Coleman has contributed with 55 clearances, 25 interceptions and three blocks, he has also won 69% of his attempted tackles.

It is safe to say, Seamus Coleman is now one of the best right-backs in the country. Strong in attack and defence he would be an asset to any Premier League side and at just 25 years of age he has plenty of time to improve even further. Arsenal would certainly benefit from his arrival.

Although a move to the Emirates could prove hard to turn down, I can’t see Coleman leaving Everton any time soon, and especially not in January. He seems very settled at the Merseyside club and, considering their recent form, I expect he would much prefer to stay and fight for a Champions League place under the assured guidance of Roberto Martinez.