Just who is reported Arsenal target Loic Perrin?
As we reported earlier this week, Arsenal have set their sights on Saint-Etienne captain Loic Perrin as the solution to their short numbers in defence.
The Gunners could capture the 29 year old for just £6 million in what could be an astute move from Arsene Wenger, but just who is Loic Perrin?
We round up six things you need to know about the Frenchman.
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1) One man club
Saint-Etienne is Perrin’s only senior club to date and his hometown side. He now captains Les Verts and has played 227 times for the Ligue 1 outfit since he signed as a youngster in 1997.
2) Leadership
Perrin became captain of Saint-Etienne after Julien Sable exited the side in 2007 and he managed to lead his side to the French Cup, Coupe de La Ligue, in 2013 – the Frenchman’s only winning medal to date.
3) Versatility
Perrin is an attractive prospect for Wenger due to his perceived versatility and Arsenal would no doubt benefit from his ability to perform in a defensive midfield role.
Whilst the French defender has been primarily deployed as a centre-back for the past few seasons he has a history at full-back and at the base of midfield.
4) Set Pieces
Perrin is a great defender and attacker of set pieces – both of which the Gunners have particularly struggled with this season.
The Frenchman has a dominating style when the ball is in the air winning 3.6 aerial duels on average in the league this season despite his height at 5ft 10in.
5) Clean Style
Perrin succeeds due to his ability to win the ball cleanly and without fouling his opponents.
Despite 11 appearances for Les Verts this season, Perrin has committed, on average, less than a foul a game and has yet to be booked.
6) National Team
However, despite succeeding at club level, Perrin has yet to win his full international debut – only managing to compete up to the U-21s.
He was selected as a reserve to Didier Deschamps’ final 23 man World Cup squad, losing out to Manchester City summer signing Eliaquim Mangala.