Saint-Etienne defender Loic Perrin has confirmed Arsenal have approached him personally over a potential move this month.
Arsenal are in dire need of defensive reinforcements this month after struggling through the campaign with just two established centre halves, one of which has been nursing several injuries throughout the season.
Plenty of potential names have been thrown about one of which is Perrin, a player known as a versatile defender that predominantly is a centre back.
The 29-year-old revealed to Le Progres that Arsenal have made contact over his availability but are yet to formally approach Saint-Etienne.
He said:
I was contacted personally. Arsenal are interested.
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But for now, there is still no contact with Saint-Etienne.
Perrin is approximately valued at a reasonable £5 million, a fee well within Arsene Wenger’s budget.
Player Profile:
Perrin has been with Saint-Etienne for his entire professional career making over 200 appearances in 12 years, scoring 18 in the process.
Late last year the ex-France U18 and 21 youth international was called upon by senior national team manager Didier Deschamps for friendly matches against Albania and Sweden, however he is yet to earn a cap.
Naturally a centre half, Perrin can also play as a right back and further forward as a defensive midfielder. His versatility could give him the edge over other Arsenal targets.
Should we buy?
The worry about Perrin is he is not proven at the highest level, having played Europa League football for the first time this season and not yet earning a cap for France. But that wouldn’t stop Wenger as he’s shown in the past.
Arsenal need someone who can slot straight in a do a top job and not a Squillaci – someone who was in the twilight of his career. At 29-years-old Perrin represents a reasonable option but not a ‘top, top quality’ signing we are craving.
His versatility is a bonus, but the Gunners need a specialist defensive midfielder not another option for cover. While Perrin is not a terrible option he’s not the top of my list.
For that reason alone you’d expect Wenger to seal this one on deadline day…With a hamstring injury.
What are your thoughts Gooners? Would you like to see Perrin come in?
Rumour Rater: 4/5
1 – Never going to happen
2 – Unlikely
3 – Could be possible
4 – Likely
5 – Done deal
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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