Fabio Coentrao: Which of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United Need Him Most?
Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are all interested in a £25 million January move for Real Madrid left-back Fabio Coentrao, according to reports. However, which club really needs the Portugal international?
Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express claims that Coentrao "is surplus to requirements at the Santiago Bernabeu."
"United had been leading the race for Coentrao's signature, but reports now claim that both [Liverpool manager] Brendan Rodgers and [Arsenal's] Arsene Wenger have thrown their hats in the ring," Chapman continues.
With an average of 2.7 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 0.5 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per game in his last first-team stretch for Madrid last season, Coentrao represents a well-balanced option at left-back.
It may be tentative speculation, but with Coentrao playing just 117 minutes across four La Liga appearances this season, it is likely that he would welcome the move.
Which of Liverpool, Arsenal and United need him the most?
We evaluate and rank all three options, giving each a subjective grade, with our verdict coming in the final slide.
Arsenal
1 of 4
Having acquired Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, Arsene Wenger has sated the Arsenal supporters' calls for top-class signings in recent transfer windows.
Elsewhere, the likes of Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla before them give the squad a real polished, big-name feel.
Coentrao would add to this plethora of stars but perhaps not in the area Arsenal need most.
When fit, Kieran Gibbs represents a fine first-choice left-back for Wenger. With an average of two tackles, 2.2 interceptions, 0.8 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per game this season, he is statistically speaking a more successful outlet than Coentrao.
Furthermore, back-up option Nacho Monreal has proven his worth this season with a string of versatile displays across the back four.
For Arsenal, Coentrao would be a nice idea, but his signing doesn't solve their central defensive woes.
Current left-back options: Kieran Gibbs, Nacho Monreal
Demand grade: C
Liverpool
2 of 4
With Liverpool floundering in 10th place as the Premier League takes a rare few days off for Christmas, Rodgers would be forgiven for wanting to strengthen all areas in his squad.
Left-back could take precedence, too, given the manager's current options have failed to impress this season.
Alberto Moreno, a BBC Sport-reported £12 million summer signing, has looked a promising acquisition in his 12 league appearances this season. However, he has seen his performances tail off in recent weeks.
Former Newcastle United man Jose Enrique meanwhile continues to prove he is more of a benefit to the dressing room than the first team, per the Liverpool Echo, and an upgrade would be welcome.
After proving an impressive, versatile full-back option last season, Jon Flanagan has recently returned to training after recovering from injury, per the Echo. However, he is a more natural right-back.
Taking a long-term view to 22-year-old Moreno's future at Anfield, signing Coentrao could provide the defender welcome tutelage and Liverpool another accomplished option.
Current left-back options: Alberto Moreno, Jose Enrique, Jon Flanagan
Demand grade: B+
Manchester United
3 of 4
After signing the impressive Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind, Ander Herrera and Radamel Falcao in the summer, manager Louis van Gaal would be wise to target defensive reinforcements in January.
Despite signing Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo—both of whom can play left-back—there is room for improvement.
Shaw, at just 19 years old, should remain United's long-term first-choice full-back on the left flank. However, with his fitness issues, Van Gaal needs another option in this position.
Averaging 1.7 tackles, 0.1 interceptions, 0.7 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game this season, Shaw is a better outlet in the attacking phase than Coentrao, but the Portugal international would offer more defensive stability.
Signing Coentrao would satisfy United's "strategy to recruit an elite player for every position," per The Guardian, and it would increase the profile of Van Gaal's defensive options.
Furthermore, this would allow natural centre-back Rojo to strengthen the manager's reserves in that area.
With United unlikely to baulk at a reported £25 million fee, a move for Coentrao makes perfect sense.
Current left-back options: Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Ashley Young
Demand grade: A
The Verdict
4 of 4
"Leading the race"—and understandably so—according to Chapman, United top our list of clubs that have the most need for signing Coentrao in January.
With Van Gaal building a side of high-profile, high-calibre players, Coentrao suits the manager's transfer remit, and he would significantly bolster his defensive options.
While Liverpool do have need for another left-back, their transfer issues sit primarily in other areas, particularly centre-back and centre-forward.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have the supremely talented and developing Gibbs at their disposal, and the signing of Coentrao would surely hamper the 25-year-old's steady progress.
Coentrao would be wise to head to Manchester this January, where he would find the most playing time.
Statistics via WhoScored.com.
