When Everton picked apart an abject Arsenal display at Goodison Park a couple of weeks ago, we learned two things.Firstly, Arsene Wengers approach to defending against the Premier Leagues most ferocious attacks is bordering on archaic.We also discovered, for those who hadnt noticed already, that Bacary Sagna is an Arsenal stalwart the Gunners simply cannot afford to lose.Murmurs of his impending exit have grown steadily as the season has progressed, and his rather emotional lap of honour at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday suggests he could have played his last game in front of the North London faithful.This leaves Wenger with a momentous task in the summer transfer window. The Gunners need for a top-class centre-forward was always on the agenda but now an accomplished right-back is also a necessity toreplace Bacary Sagna.With that in mind, here are three players ready to fill that Sagna-shaped hole.
#1 Serge Aurier
The most linked man to the vacancy that is expected to open up at Arsenal is Toulouse’s Serge Aurier.
The Ivory Coast international has exploded onto the scene in Ligue 1 this year, largely because of his outstanding creative output from the right-back position.
Sagna, widely accepted as one of the best crossers of the ball from that position, creates 0.57 chances per 90 minutes of league action, Aurier dwarfs that figure with an impressive 0.85 per 90.
Six goals and six assists from left-back also makes Sagna’s figures seem less than impressive. The only major question that remains is defensive ability. Sagna has been consistently solid for the Gunners, even when as a whole they’ve been porous.
Aurier represents a massive gamble in that respect.
#2 Calum Chambers
While every man and his dog will be talking about Southampton’s left-back Luke Shaw this summer, Arsenal will be paying closer attention to the Saints’ emerging right-back, one Calum Chambers.
The 19-year-old was thrust into the Southampton first-team by Mauricio Pochettino and hasn’t looked back since, making Nathaniel Clyne sweat over his starting slot.
He has created 12 chances in 21 appearances this season, many from the bench. He is a raw talent that can be coached and nurtured into a top-class Premier League defender.
Southampton are desperate to hold on to him, so Arsenal may have to part with a considerable transfer fee in order to secure his services.
Tottenham are also said to be chasing the boy considered to be ‘the next big thing’.
#3 Seamus Coleman
The most high-profile name in this shortlist, Seamus Coleman would undoubtedly by a massive coup for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal.
The Irishman, coaxed from the Sligo Rovers for a cool £60,000, would now fetch something upwards of £20 million, and that represents value.
The Toffees full-back has created an outstanding 1.29 chances per 90 minutes this season, a tally to rival some of the league’s best creative midfielders, let alone right-backs.
His combination of tireless running, blistering pace and dazzling footwork has seen his stock rise steadily over the last two seasons.
This season he has added end product, with six goals, earning himself a deserved place in the PFA Team of the Year.
Arsenal will have to battle some of England’s and probably Europe’s best clubs if they are to prise him away from Goodison Park. A big offer and the promise of regular first-team football in a Champions League side might be enough for Wenger to pull off an almighty transfer coup.
