Arsenal have “started” talks with Leicester City about signing fullback Timothy Castagne, according to Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri.
The usually reliable journalist claims the defender remains the Gunners’ backup option to Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda but a move for the 27-year-old is something that is being explored:
🚨🔴 #ArsenalFC now going for Timothy #Castagne ! Considered as
a number 2 target behind I.Fresneda for the right-back position, #AFC started the talks with #LeicesterCity in order to find a deal for the #DiablesRouges.
I understand things could develop quickly.
⏳ Wait & See. pic.twitter.com/gwY2KmIMTh— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) June 11, 2023
There was a mixed reaction to Arsenal’s interest in Castagne on Twitter. While many fans feel that he could be a decent squad player, some are not convinced that he possesses the capabilities to be a regular starter:
Very solid backup option. Reliable
— Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT (@3cbPerformance) June 11, 2023
Just feels like a Cedric regen tbh
— SB-130 (@EquateRadiant) June 11, 2023
We signed Ramsdale for 30m from Sheffield Utd despite him being relegated twice. You never know how this could turn out
— 🔴⚪️ (@Chandley__) June 11, 2023
Meh af.
— Nna Mmadu👨🏾🍼 (@_IKENNA_) June 11, 2023
It’s always a function of price, but I think he’s a solid player, as long as he understands he’s the backup
— Michael Segal (@mseg92) June 11, 2023
No difference with cediric
— No Need💥💢💫 (@Smilinguy22) June 11, 2023
Decent option to cover both RB/LB more than happy as long as the board then spend big on Rice and Caicedo!
— Jason Clay (@JasonCl27104227) June 11, 2023
Arsenal are trying to be smart in the transfer market
With Mikel Arteta’s side set to invest a sizeable sum of money in West Ham captain Declan Rice and, potentially, another midfielder, they need to cut their cloth accordingly in other areas of the pitch.
They are unlikely to have the resources to shell out £40m to £50m on a right back so recruiting someone like Castagne does make a lot of sense.
Castagne has a lot of plus sides to his game
Not only is the Belgian about to hit his prime years as a player, he is also very capable of playing on both flanks. That means he won’t just be able to cover for Ben White but also for Oleksandr Zinchenko if Kieran Tierney leaves the Emirates this summer.
Castagne has also spent the best part of three years in England already, having joined Leicester from Atalanta in 2020. On top of that, he shouldn’t cost a great deal following the Foxes relegation to the Championship last month.
