Arsenal are reportedly keen on Valencia right-back Cristiano Piccini and could make a summer swoop, but would the defender be strong enough competition to displace Hector Bellerin as Unai Emery’s first choice?
According to claims from Spanish news outlet El Desmarque, as cited in a report from Calciomercato, the Gunners have set their sights on signing the Italy international.
Piccini has been performing well for Valencia this season and has played a part in their run to the Europa League semi-finals, where they will face Arsenal. He is likely to feature against Unai Emery’s side, but could he be playing under the Spaniard at the Emirates Stadium next season?
The 26-year-old has made 21 appearances in La Liga this season. He has featured three times apiece in the Europa League and the Champions League, while also playing six times in Copa del Rey fixtures.
Piccini has established himself as an essential player for Valencia boss Marcelino, patrolling the right flank with composure on the ball and energy when out of possession.
The former Sporting CP defender is adept at carrying the ball forward from deep areas and offers his teammates a viable option down the wing, contributing to combination play and showing for the ball regularly after finding space.
Arsenal could need a defender like Piccini this summer. Hector Bellerin has been sidelined since January after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, leaving Ainsley Maitland-Niles to deputise as a right wing-back.
Stephan Lichtsteiner joined from Juventus on a free last summer but has been less than convincing. His short-term deal is up at the end of the season, and he’s unlikely to be kept on at the Emirates.
Italy international Piccini would, without doubt, offer Gunners boss Emery a more athletic option to compete with Bellerin for a starting spot in his preferred line-up.
If Arsenal can complete a deal for the right-back and recruit him for a reasonable fee, this one seems like a no-brainer ahead of the summer transfer window…
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