Would Ryan Bertrand or Joachim Andersen fit in at the Emirates?

Joachim Andersen

Would Ryan Bertrand or Joachim Andersen fit in at the Emirates with Mikel Arteta set to enter the transfer market?

By Josh Graham

Mikel Arteta is set to enter the transfer market this summer after a disastrous domestic season has left the Gunners on the verge of failing to qualify for European football for the first time in 25 years. 

With David Luiz set to leave the Emirates when his contract expires at the end of the season, two Premier League defenders in Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand and Fulham’s Joachim Andersen have been linked with a switch to North London. 

Andersen could prove to be a rock at the back 


Danish centre-back Andersen has excelled despite seeing his side relegated straight back to the Championship. 

The towering 24-year-old is just the commanding presence at the back Arsenal require to steady the ship and get next season off to a solid start. 

Andersen is on loan from Lyon but has proven he can cut it in the Premier League and is reportedly Arteta’s choice to fill Luiz’s boots in the long-term. 

Reports suggest rivals Tottenham are battling it out for his signature, but the Gunners must make it a priority to lure Scott Parker’s defender to London Colney after an impressive 30 outings in the top flight this campaign. 

If Arteta can land his man, Gunners fans will have no problem trusting the squad depth at the back with William Saliba also set to return from his loan spell at Nice. 

Ryan Bertrand

Bertrand’s experience would prove useful given Tierney’s injury record 


Arsenal are losing one former Chelsea man in Luiz but could poach another of the Blues’ Champions League winners in Saints’ Bertrand. 

The 31-year-old confirmed he will leave the club when his contract at St Mary’s expires this summer, and a free transfer could prove to be an incredibly savvy piece of business for Gunners chiefs. 

Offloading Sead Kolasinac in January left the club high and dry when No.1 left-back Kieran Tierney succumbed to injury in the second part of the season. 

Right-footed Cedric Soares and even midfielder Granit Xhaka have deputised but neither compares to the class 19-cap England international Bertrand would bring on the left. 

If Arteta can convince Bertrand, who has made 258 Premier League appearances, to sign despite the fact he is set to serve as fan favourite Tierney’s understudy it would represent a major coup. 

Bertrand knows how to mix it at the highest level and could help bring through the next crop of Arsenal youngsters with his leadership experience to boot. 

Both Bertrand and Andersen would be worthwhile and quality acquisitions and should have no problem slotting in at the club as Arteta revamps his squad.

Photo credit: Getty Images

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