AS Monaco have reportedly tabled an offer for FC Barcelona defender Sergino Dest, who is rumoured to be on Arsenal’s watchlist ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to Sport, the Ligue 1 side, who sit eighth in the French top-flight, have made a proposal to sign the American international, with Dest’s future with Barcelona unclear despite a recent run of form in the starting XI under Xavi Hernandez.
Reports had suggested that Dest could be on his way out of Catalonia just a year after joining from Ajax, with ESPN reporting that Barcelona were listening to offers for the defender, who has a reported release clause of €400m (£337m) as per the club’s official website.
With Marca reporting that Arsenal are also interested in signing Dest, Monaco’s offer for the youngster will complicate matters for the north London side, who could be keen on adding the 21-year-old to their ranks next season.
Whilst Takehiro Tomiyasu has been key for Arsenal this campaign as the club’s new right-back, signing Dest as a backup option or an alternative player in cup competitions could be an interesting move from Mikel Arteta.
Indeed, we have already seen something similar this season with Nuno Tavares, who is a more attacking and dynamic option at left-back than Kieran Tierney, who is defensively reliable and comfortable on the ball.
Monaco’s proposal could push Arsenal to make offer for Dest
With Monaco now in the driving seat to sign Dest, Arsenal should start feeling worried about the Ligue 1 club’s intent on signing the defender, with the American a player who could fit into Arteta’s system.
Moreover, with Arsenal looking likely to return to Europe next season, quality backup options will be key if Arteta is to have another successful year, and Dest could be ideal for Tomiyasu and the north London club as a whole if they can beat Monaco to the fullback.
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