- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
In order to improve Mikel Arteta’s squad for the coming season, Arsenal have identified a left-back who was named in Ligue 1’s Team of the Season.
It’s set to be a busy summer for Edu, who will be diligently working away behind the scenes whilst most are enjoying Euro 2024.
Arsenal’s squad almost feels as if it’s at the end of a cycle in some respects, with several players on the periphery of things likely to leave.
TBR recently shared that Arsenal have told both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney that they are free to leave, two players who are surplus to Arteta’s plans.
Arsenal plan to recruit a new left-back, someone who can challenge Takehiro Tomiyasu, who ended the season in the position.
And TBR Football understands that Arsenal are now considering a move for highly-rated Stade Brestois full-back Bradley Locko.
Brest signed the 22-year-old from Stade Reims last summer, a move that was a huge success.
Locko was named in Ligue 1’s Team of the Season following his 33 appearances, and seems ready for the next step.
Arsenal now considering Bradley Locko move after failing in Jorrel Hato pursuit
Given that the club are in the market for a new left-sided defender, Arsenal had been in pursuit of 18-year-old Ajax gem Jorrel Hato.
However, the teenager isn’t ready to leave his boyhood club just yet, meaning plans have been put on the back burner.
Instead, Arsenal have Locko on their radar, who was a stand-out performer in France last year.
Locko is capped for France’s under-23s, but is yet to make an appearance for Didier Deschamps’ senior side.
Stade Brest only paid a minimal fee to sign Locko from Reims last summer, but it remains to be seen how much they would demand for the coveted full-back now.
Locko would be an upgrade on Zinchenko
In terms of his playstyle, Locko is something of an all-rounder, explaining why he could be an upgrade on Zinchenko.
Locko is renowned for his robust defensive acumen, regularly disrupting opposition attacks.
And in possession Locko is now slouch either, the defender ranked highly in Ligue 1 for progressive carries last season, a defender who can advance the ball and be dynamic in attack.
There’s no doubt that Locko would have a lot to learn at Arsenal, but with Jurrien Timber also back fit Arteta would have the options to afford the necessary time.
All that being said, Arsenal are also thought to still be interested in a ‘special’ player Ian Wright wanted the club to buy.