Arsenal make Bertrand approach as Saints contract talks stall

James Holland
Ryan Bertrand Arsenal Saints F365

Arsenal have contacted Ryan Bertrand over a free transfer from Southampton this summer, according to reports.

The left-back is nearing a St Mary’s exit as his contract expires in June.

Southampton began talks over a new deal recently but they have now stalled, giving the Gunners the chance to sign him.


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According to Goal, Arsenal have approached Bertrand’s representatives over a summer switch to the Emirates.

They’re keen to bring in the Englishman so he can compete with Kieran Tierney for a place in Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven.

Bertrand is happy at Southampton but wants to increase his £70,000-a-week wages, which the club is unwilling to do.

As a result, he looks set to sign for a new club in the coming months.

Arsenal aren’t the only team to contact the 31-year-old in recent weeks. Italian giants AC Milan and Ligue 1 outfit Monaco have also been in touch, although it’s not clear whether Bertrand would be open to moving abroad.

When asked about the player’s situation recently, Hasenhuttl said: “We are looking at other targets because the offer we have made has not been accepted from his side.

“When there is no solution for the future, we will have to look at other options in this position.”

Arsenal already have full-back Sead Kolasinac on their books. He’s due to return in the summer after a season-long loan spell with Schalke.

However, club chiefs don’t see Kolasinac as a top-quality defender and will allow him to leave.

Bertrand is an ideal replacement in the squad, having performed well for Southampton this term.

He’s featured 29 times in the Premier League so far and played a full 90 minutes as the Saints held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw earlier in the campaign.

Bertrand also has international experience with England and would help Arteta’s young team to improve.

The left-back joined Chelsea’s youth setup in 2005 and went on to make a series of loan moves. He played 57 times for the Blues before joining Southampton on loan in July 2014. After impressing coaches at St Mary’s he earned a permanent move the following February.

He’s made 240 appearances for the Saints in total, scoring eight goals.