Sunderland are in advanced talks over a deal to bring Ryan Alebiosu to the Stadium of Light this summer.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by The Northern Echo, who claim that the Black Cats are increasingly confident of securing a deal to bring the Arsenal right-back to the club on a season-long loan deal before the closure of the summer transfer window on Tuesday.

The report continues by stating that, while the majority of his transfer business is complete, Lee Johnson is still eager to bring in greater depth at full-back, with Kyril Louis-Dreyfus believed in advanced talks with the Gunners for the 19-year-old.

"Great signing"

It is easy to see why Johnson is keen to bring in a further body who is capable of operating at full-back over what remains of the summer transfer window, as, at present, the Mackems manager has just three natural options across both the left and right-back positions in his first-team squad - in the shape of Dennis Cirkin, Niall Huggins and Luke O'Nien.

However, with O'Nien often being required to play in central midfield, Johnson has regularly had to deploy midfielder Carl Winchester on the right-hand side of his defence.

As such, a move for a player in the role would appear to make sense for the Black Cats, and, should the club manage to get a deal over the line in the coming days, Alebiosu could well be a great addition for the League One side.

Indeed, the 19-year-old - who can also play at left-back - was a regular in the Arsenal U23 side last season, making 18 Premier League 2 appearances, over which he provided one assist, as well as featuring in three EFL Trophy fixtures.

Furthermore, Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips has also given his approval regarding a move for the defender, stating his belief that Alebiosu could be a "great signing" for his former side.

As such, following a highly impressive start to their League One campaign - with the Black Cats topping the third tier table after five games played - the addition of a player as highly rated as the £1.7k-per-week Arsenal youngster would only appear to provide Sunderland's chances of finally securing promotion back to the Championship this season with a major boost.

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