Arsenal Target Napoli Right-Back As Search For Bellerin Replacement Begins – Report

By The Editor
on 28th January 2019

Arsenal have reportedly enquired about Napoli’s Kevin Malcuit…

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Arsenal have reportedly enquired about the availability of Napoli right-back Kevin Malcuit as the search for a replacement for Hector Bellerin begins, France Football reports via GGFN.

The Frenchman has played second fiddle to Nikola Maksimović this term and has struggled to hold down a regular berth since his summer arrival from Lille.

Only playing seven games in Serie A this season, one wonders if Emery is seeking another loan this window to help us through the remainder of the campaign.

Bellerin’s season-ending injury was a severe blow to our top four hopes given the lack of adequate cover we have in that position.

Stephan Lichsteiner seems to age with every minute he spends on the pitch and it’s clear that attempting to become accustomed to the pace of the Premier League in your twilight years isn’t the best idea.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has covered the right-back role admirably, but he too has experienced some fitness issues. After fracturing a fibula in the opening game of the season, his appearances have been sporadic.

A knee injury is currently keeping him out of training and the 21-year-old remains a doubt for the visit of Cardiff.

Given that Emery played down the potential arrival of a defender coupled with the minimal time left in this window, I think we can comfortably write this one off.