Arsenal have hijacked Monaco’s signing of Lille defender, Djibril Sidibe, 25. The late bid caused the transfer to stall despite the two clubs agreeing a fee, according to French newspaper, L’Equipe.
The Gunners are looking for cover at full back with the player’s versatility appealing to manager, Arsene Wenger. Although comfortable on either flank, Sidibe prefers to play on the right. It offers the north London club cover for youngster, Hector Bellerin, 21, as well as first choice left back, Nacho Monreal, 30.
The deal would call into question the futures of English pair, Kieran Gibbs, 26, and Carl Jenkinson, 24. Neither has convinced Wenger that they will push for a first team spot at the Emirates, with Gibbs England hopes dramatically dented by his omission from the Arsenal starting line-up.
Jenkinson, meanwhile, has seen Hector Bellerin capitalise on 31 year-old Mathieu Debuchy’s calamitous injury record and his own loan spells at West Ham United. Injury cut short his stay at Upton Park last season when it seemed the Hammers were preparing to make the move permanent. That ardour has been quelled and the English youngster returned to the Emirates for now.
Neither of the English pair has proven reliable in the past and Wenger is desperate to strengthen his defence.
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