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Arsenal plotting late swoop for Kyle Walker-Peters

By on January 24, 2024

Arsenal are reportedly plotting a late swoop for Southampton star Kyle Walker-Peters in this January window, as per TEAMtalk.

The Gunners have struggled with injury problems at their back this season. New summer signing Jurrien Timber has been ruled out for the majority of this campaign after sustaining a serious knee issue in his Premier League debut.

In addition, Takehiro Tomiyasu – who is currently out with his national team Japan to play in the AFC Asian Cup – has been struggling with fitness issues in recent times. So, it appears Arsenal want to bolster their backline by signing a new defender to continue their title charge.

Now, according to the report by TEAMtalk, the North London club are looking to sign a versatile defender – who can play anywhere across the backline and have identified Walker-Peters as a serious option.

The report further claims that Arsenal could make a late move to sign the Southampton star so this is a deal that needs to be kept ‘an eye on’. However, TEAMtalk states that Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are also eyeing a move for him so Mikel Arteta’s side are set to face tough competition from their city rivals in getting any potential deal done for the defender.

Walker-Peters to Arsenal

Arsenal were linked with a move for Walker-Peters last summer following Timber’s injury, but they didn’t formalise their interest. So, a deal never materialised before the end of the last transfer window.

The 26-year-old – valued at around £17m by Transfermarkt – has entered the final 18 months of his current contract. So, Southampton could opt to cash-in on him in January to make the most profit out of his departure. In that case, Arsenal would be handed a great opportunity to purchase him.

The Englishman is quick, strong, comfortable playing out from the back, excellent in defensive contributions and also reads the game well. So, Walker-Peters could be a shrewd signing for Arsenal to reinforce their defence.

However, the 26-year-old came through the Tottenham youth system and also played for the senior team before making the switch to Southampton. Therefore, it is going to be interesting to see whether Arsenal eventually opt to make a swoop for a player – who has previous links with their arch-rival.