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Arsenal’s Pursuit of De Cuyper: A Smart Move or Unnecessary Gamble?

Arsenal are setting the stage for a transformative summer window, and Club Brugge’s Maxim De Cuyper appears to be high on their priority list. According to Tuttosport, the Gunners have entered negotiations with the Belgian full-back’s representatives, aiming to secure a pre-agreement before engaging in formal talks with his club.

De Cuyper’s attacking prowess has not gone unnoticed, and while his numbers have dipped this season, he remains a serious contender to replace either Kieran Tierney or Oleksandr Zinchenko in Mikel Arteta’s evolving system. But is this a signing Arsenal need?

Arsenal’s Full-Back Situation Calls for Reinforcement

Arteta has reshaped Arsenal into a dynamic force, but their left-back department has become a weak spot. Injuries, inconsistencies, and tactical limitations have left the Gunners searching for a solution.

Kieran Tierney, once considered a long-term option, is set to return to Celtic after his Arsenal contract expires. Oleksandr Zinchenko, who initially flourished after arriving from Manchester City in 2022, has struggled to maintain his place. His tactical fit in Arsenal’s setup remains in question, particularly defensively.

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That leaves Arsenal with Riccardo Calafiori, signed for £42 million last summer, and rising academy star Myles Lewis-Skelly. While both provide potential solutions, neither offers the balance of attacking output and defensive solidity that De Cuyper could bring.

De Cuyper’s Strengths and Weaknesses

The 23-year-old Belgian is far from a traditional full-back. His attacking output from deep positions makes him more of a left-sided playmaker than a defensive rock. Last season, he delivered five goals and 15 assists for Club Brugge, proving his value in the final third.

However, this term has seen a slight drop-off—one goal and six assists—raising concerns over whether his previous campaign was an outlier. Nonetheless, his ability to operate as a wing-back, combined with Arteta’s desire for fluidity in possession, makes him a logical candidate for Arsenal’s style of play.

Arsenal are reportedly racing to secure his commitment before other suitors, including AC Milan, West Ham United, and Juventus, intensify their interest. At an asking price of €25 million (£20.6m / $25.9m), De Cuyper is within Arsenal’s financial reach. But should they make the move?

Risk vs Reward – Is De Cuyper Worth It?

Recruiting De Cuyper would undoubtedly add depth to Arsenal’s squad, but is he a significant upgrade over their existing options?

His defensive capabilities remain a grey area, and the Premier League’s intensity could expose any weaknesses. Zinchenko’s struggles in transition have already made Arsenal vulnerable against high-pressing opponents, and De Cuyper would need to prove he can handle similar challenges.

But if Arsenal view him as more of an attacking outlet than a traditional left-back, his skill set becomes far more valuable. With Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka thriving in wide areas, De Cuyper could serve as a secondary playmaker, overlapping and delivering into the box.

Arteta’s aggressive transfer strategy suggests Arsenal are willing to gamble on potential, and De Cuyper’s ceiling remains high.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Excited Arsenal Fan Perspective:

Arsenal’s left-back situation has been a glaring issue for two seasons, and De Cuyper could be the answer. His creativity from deep positions could transform how the Gunners build attacks, adding a dimension that neither Zinchenko nor Tierney could provide consistently. At just 23, he has time to refine his defensive side, making him an exciting prospect under Arteta.

Sceptical Arsenal Fan Perspective:

Do Arsenal really need another experiment at left-back? De Cuyper’s stats look promising, but so did Zinchenko’s before his defensive frailties were exposed. The Belgian league is not the Premier League, and Arsenal cannot afford another slow adaptation period in a position that requires immediate impact. Is De Cuyper truly a defensive upgrade, or just another attacking full-back?

Concerned Rival Fan Perspective:

Arsenal continue to make ambitious moves, and De Cuyper is another example of their commitment to Arteta’s long-term vision. However, if they fail to secure a world-class striker or defensive midfielder, signing another left-back may seem like a distraction rather than a necessity.