Arsenal have reportedly been alerted to the likely availability of Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy.
The France international is nearing the end of his fourth campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu with Los Blancos having paid Lyon £47.5m for his signature in 2019.
Mendy can claim to have enjoyed a productive spell with the Spanish giants, contributing five goals and 10 assists from his 130 appearances in all competitions.
Furthermore, the 27-year-old has contributed to two La Liga titles and a Champions League triumph, both parties getting value for money from their relationship.
However, Mendy is no longer regarded as an important member of the first-team squad due to the injury issues which have prevented him from participating in much of the second half of this campaign.
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In his absence, Edouardo Camavinga, who is usually a central midfielder, has starred, while Carlo Ancelotti has also been able to use David Alaba and Nacho at left-back when required.
As a result, it has been suggested that Mendy's representatives have already been informed that Real will not attempt to extend his contract past 2025, effectively making him available for transfer.
According to The Mirror, the alleged developments have been noted by Arsenal who could be in the market for a new left-back in the summer.
While Oleksandr Zinchenko is established as first choice, there are doubts over the future of Kieran Tierney, who has been left with minimal Premier League starts during 2022-23.
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The Scotland international has a number of admirers in England's top flight, it being suggested that Arsenal may cash in on the former Celtic man if they receive a bid upwards of £20m.
Although Nuno Tavares, currently on loan at Marseille, may be kept at the Emirates Stadium as backup, the report suggests that Mikel Arteta could prefer to take advantage of Mendy's situation at Real.
The Gunners may allegedly be successful with an approach if they offer £17.5m for Mendy's signature, that theoretically putting the club in a position where they could make a change in personnel and generate a profit.
Nevertheless, Mendy will not be short of suitors at that asking price with Tottenham Hotspur also said to be taking an interest in the situation.
Darren Plant
