With Hector Bellerin out for the rest of the season, Arsenal are exploring options for his replacement and have approached Napoli right-back Kevin Malcuit with his agent confirming interest.
Arsenal started Ainsley Maitland-Niles at right-back in their FA Cup defeat to Manchester United but the 21-year-old prefers to play as a winger or a central midfielder.
Arsenal may have Stephan Lichtsteiner and Carl Jenkinson as replacements but are reported to be keen on an alternative. Malcuit, 27, currently has a contract with Napoli that runs until the summer of 2022, but he could be allowed to depart in the final days of the transfer window.
The former Lille defender’s agent, Bruno Satin confirmed Arsenal’s interest, “There’s a London club who are looking for a right-back. They asked about Kevin, but there’s no question of him leaving Napoli. Arsenal? It could be them, but not necessarily. He’s happy with Ancelotti and in Naples.”