Arsenal transfer news: Van Aanholt emerges as surprise late target

Paul Macdonald

• Updated: 20 May 2021 11:26 BST
• 2 min read

Arsenal are reportedly considering a late swoop for Crystal Palace defender Patrick van Aanholt before the transfer window closes.

The Gunners’ pursuit of a back-up option to star left-back Kieran Tierney has been well documented.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta acknowledged after the 0-0 draw with Manchester United that more players could leave the Gunners.

But The Mirror report there could still be another addition to join Martin Odegaard, who made his debut against United.

Van Aanholt, 30, is out of contract at the end of the season and could represent a cheap option with Palace reportedly willing to accept a fee rather than lose him for nothing.

His place in the Palace team has come under threat from Tyrick Mitchell, another player who has been linked with the Gunners.

But Mitchell’s contract situation is said to be more complex, with conflicting reports over when it expires.

Palace are also determined to keep Mitchell, making Van Aanholt a more achievable pursuit so late in the window.

Since leaving Chelsea, Van Aanholt has represented he likes of Newcastle United, Leicester City and Sunderland before joining Palace in 2017.

Van Aanholt may be seen as a surprise target.

However, he would provide back-up to Tierney, has significant Premier League experience and could come at a low cost.

Cedric Soares, normally a right-back, has been filling in on the left during recent Arsenal matches.

Arteta on possible exits

Arteta has confirmed Arsenal are working to facilitate moves for players who wish to leave the club before Monday’s deadline.

“There are some conversations that are going on,” he said.

“They want to improve their situation and we need to help some of them.

“I don’t know whether that’s going to be the case or not.”

Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Reiss Nelson are possible departures.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have been linked with Shkodran Mustafi amid their defensive injury crisis.