According to a recent report from The Sun, Patrick van Aanholt is attracting interest ahead of the reopening of the transfer window in January. The 28-year-old currently plays his football at Premier League outfit Crystal Palace and has done so since leaving Sunderland back in 2017, with his impressive exploits for the London club seemingly attracting interest ahead of the New Year.

And that’s because reports suggest that Serie A heavyweights Roma are eyeing up a reported £25 million move for the left back, which should also be of interest to Arsenal manager Unai Emery, as the transformation of his Gunners side would benefit hugely from the arrival of the Palace defender.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, Emery has so far done a sterling job at the Emirates Stadium having taken over from long-serving legend Arsene Wenger during the summer, what with the North London giants sat fifth in the Premier League table, and having eased through into the last-32 of the Europa League.

And they have done so in a stylish and exciting manner in scoring plenty of goals and creating several goal-scoring chances, although it does seem pretty clear that the left back department could do with some improvements if Emery is to continue transforming this side.

Nacho Monreal has been a terrific servant to the Gunners, but he will turn 33 in February and as such it remains to be seen how much longer he has at a top level, while deputy Sead Kolasinac has done well in recent weeks, but one mustn’t forget some of the horror shows he produced last season - clearly, reinforcements are needed.

And Palace’s van Aanholt, who has proven to be one the most consistent left backs in the Premier League in recent seasons, would be the ideal addition at the Emirates Stadium.

The Netherlands international, capped nine times by his country, has been a lynchpin in Roy Hodgson’s Eagles side following his move from Sunderland back in January 2017, and no wonder given he has often produced the goods with five goals and an assist in the Premier League for the club last term as they eventually finished 11th in the division.

And with Emery clearly demanding a great deal of attacking intent from his full backs, as evidenced by the recurrent fine displays from Hector Bellerin down the right-hand-side this season, the 28-year-old could seriously flourish given just how strong he is going forward.

Yes, he maybe isn’t the greatest left back when it comes to fulfilling defensive duties, albeit he’s certainly not one of the worst, but van Aanholt appears to be everything Emery is looking for in a full back - and with his left back ranks far from convincing, £25 million seems to be something of a bargain.

And that is why the Gunners must seek to pounce by moving for the Palace defender in January, as doing so would aid Emery’s process of transforming this Arsenal side.

Arsenal fans… what do you think? Let us know!