Arsenal Opinion: Why Arsenal should make a move for PSG star Thomas Meunier

ESPN (h/t Le Parisien) have reported that PSG star Thomas Meunier is likely to leave the Ligue 1 giants over the summer, thanks to the fact that there have been no discussions on a potential contract extension.

The Belgian’s current deal expires at the end of next season, meaning any chance to get a reasonable transfer fee ends once the summer window closes.

The Guardian has already revealed that Premier League side Everton are the front-runners for the 27-year-old. But given their current situation, Arsenal need to enter the race. The Gunners’ main right-back Hector Bellerin has been ruled out for the rest of the season and some part of next season after rupturing his ACL, which has given the club a few headaches.

This has left manager Unai Emery with 35-year-old Stephan Lichtsteiner and Ainsley Maitland-Niles as potential right-backs, which has created a few problems.

The former Juventus man was a sensational full-back in his prime, but at the moment, his lack of speed has caused Arsenal to concede more than their fair share of goals over the last few months.

Maitland-Niles, on the other hand, is a central midfielder who’s been used either as a left-back or a right-back under Emery’s tenure. While he has done comparatively well, the 21-year-old isn’t a long-term option. Thomas Meunier, however, is perfect for Arsenal and Emery’s history with the PSG star, makes a move all the more probable.

The Belgian is easily among the top ten full-backs in the world at the moment and his performances at the 2018 World Cup simply epitomized that. For Arsenal, he’s an upgrade on both Lichtsteiner and Carl Jenkinson and is more defensively sound as compared to first-choice Hector Bellerin.

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And with the Gunners chasing after a Champions League spot next season, they need someone who can provide Bellerin with competition for the first team spot. That will not only improve performances all around the team but Meunier’s ability to play further up the field can be used in different formations.

But with Everton in the race and offering the Belgian international a chance at first-team football, Arsenal will need to make the first move along with a decent transfer fee to convince PSG.