Arsenal are apparently interested in Atletico Madrid right-back Nahuel Molina ahead of the winter transfer season, while Aston Villa are also interested. Both Premier League clubs want a new right-back, and the World Cup champion fits the criteria for both.
Arsenal went on a buying binge in the summer of 2023, breaking their transfer record to sign Declan Rice. Jurrien Timber, a Dutch full-back signed from Ajax, suffered a devastating knee injury on his Premier League debut.
According to the Italian outlet Tutto Juve, the Gunners elected not to sign a replacement immediately, but have now targeted Molina for a transfer.
Arsenal will face competition from Aston Villa in their pursuit of the Argentine defender. This season, the Villans have showed enormous desire and a readiness to spend huge money to get outstanding players.
In the summer, they signed Moussa Diaby, Nicolo Zaniolo, and Pau Torres, greatly improving their roster. In the next window, a transfer for Molina makes sense for Unai Emery’s team.
Since joining Atletico Madrid from Udinese, Molina has grown into a world-class right-back. The 25-year-old also shone when Argentina won the FIFA World Cup nine months ago. His Spanish team is hesitant to let him go and will try to extend his contract until 2029 to retain him.
What about Nahuel Molina's Arsenal potential?
Molina, an Argentine defender, has always been a good attacking fullback, but working under Diego Simeone at the Wanda Metropolitano has dramatically improved his defensive abilities. The right-back is now a top-tier player at both ends of the field who would benefit any squad.
Both Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu have played right back for Arsenal, although neither is a skilled offensive threat.
Timber was an immediate starter for the Gunners after his arrival before to his sad accident. Because of his technical skills, the Dutch defender gives quality at both ends of the field and keeps the team humming.
Molina has the technical ability to play as a straight substitute for Timber and increase the squad’s effectiveness. Arsenal avoided signing a new right-back in haste, choosing to maintain Cedric Soares.
They may now pursue Molina in the offseason as a top option for the second half of the season and beyond.
The Gunners must finish their preparations in time to recruit the promising right-back ahead of Aston Villa. Both Premier League clubs will make appealing offers to the defender, who will only transfer for a large amount.