Arsenal have announced the signing of Swiss fullback Stephan Lichtsteiner.
The 34-year-old is new manager Unai Emery’s first foray into the transfer market as Gunners boss, and looks to bring an assured presence to Arsenal’s defence.
Lichtsteiner accumulated his wisdom at various clubs, but most recently (and perhaps most prominently) Juventus.
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Making 32 appearances in all competitions last year, it seems the right back isn’t allowing age to slow him down just yet.
With Arsenal’s defences being particularly porous last season (the 51 goals shipped was the highest in the top seven), Lichtsteiner’s acquisition is reflective of a commitment from Emery to defensive stability.
Attacking options such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Mesut Özil mean scoring goals shouldn’t be too much of a challenge, and the Spaniard has seen fit to use the transfer window to tighten the defences.
Negotiations for Lichtsteiner’s old Juventus teammate Medhi Benatia are said to be ongoing, as Arsenal look to bring yet more experience to their defensive roster.
