According to the Mirror, Arsenal are considering a move for Liverpool left-back Alberto Moreno who is out of contract in the summer and would therefore be available on a free.

However, Unai Emery, Moreno's former manager at Sevilla, should forget about a reunion with his countryman and go after Lyon's Ferland Mendy instead.

The Gunners need a left-back - but not Moreno

If Emery doesn't rate burly Bosnian Sead Kolasinac, who was a mainstay under Arsene Wenger, then bringing in a left-back who he can rely on is paramount to the north London club's long-term success.

Current first choice Nacho Monreal does not have age on his side. The 32-year-old is still a quality defender but will soon struggle to fulfil the physical requirements of a full-back playing under Emery and so buying a younger left-back who can fill his shoes has to be a focus for the recruitment team at the Emirates.

They seem to recognise this and reports have linked them with a move for 26-year-old Moreno, but this would feel very much like a 'might as well' signing because the Gunners are likely to get him on a free.

The 5-foot-7 speedster is reportedly unwilling to sign a new deal with the Reds and is seeking pastures new but his past performances suggest he is not good enough to hold down the left-back spot at Arsenal. The fact that James Milner, a midfielder, is most likely second choice left-back for Jurgen Klopp at Anfield should speak volumes to Emery, who should resist the temptation of bringing in the Spaniard for free and make a list of other potential targets.

Frenchman Mendy should top that list.

Why Mendy is their man

Mendy signed for Les Gones in summer 2017  from Le Havre for £4.5m and his performances have put him on Catalonian giants Barcelona's radar, who want him (reported by MailOnline, via Mundo Deportivo) to eventually succeed Jordi Alba, but Emery mustn't let that put him off. The 23-year-old's statistics this season imply that he would be a perfect fit at Arsenal.

In seven league appearances this season, the number 22 has scored once and assisted another while recording an average match rating of 7.06. He also completes 2.3 dribbles per game, which is the same as Mohamed Salah and also blows Monreal's 0.1 out of the water, while his 1.3 key passes a game compared to Monreal's 0.6 indicates that he plays a much larger role in attacks than the Arsenal left-back does.

He doesn't slack when called upon in defence either; recording 1.1 interceptions and 1.3 clearances per match, he is the epitome of the modern full-back. These impressive stats will mean his £10.8m Transfermarkt valuation could be more than tripled, but Arsenal should stump up the cash regardless of the fee to ensure they do not have to worry about who's going to occupy their left-back spot for the next decade.

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