Lloyd Kelly has been impressive for Bournemouth, and his displays have earned him an ear-shot at some of the biggest clubs in the world. Alongside Arsenal, the likes of Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, Tottenham and Milan are also eyeing for his signature.
The Gunners’ interest in the 25-year-old has previously been revealed in the English press, but it’s worth noting that the Italian press has also highlighted this pursuit. Outlet Tuttosport reports today that Juventus wants to sign the player, but Arsenal are one of the teams that stands ‘above all’ in the race to get him.
KELLY, A BACKGROUND!
Lloyd Kelly has an outstanding background for his age, having played for England at the U-20 and U-21 levels on many occasions. Kelly possesses a powerful and intimidating physical appearance, particularly as a left-back, being 6ft 3 inches tall. His above-average height for this position makes him a powerful aerial force, which is a significant weapon for any English defense. Bournemouth bought him from Bristol City for a fee of around £13 million in the summer of 2019, which shows how highly he was regarded already as a youngster.
Lloyd Kelly is mostly a left-back, but he can also play as a centre-back if necessary. He is physically robust and stands approximately 6ft tall, which allows him to win aerial duels at a canter. He possesses the raw speed required for full-backs to be productive on both sides of the game. He has the ability to dribble past opponents to create space for himself to send a cross or a cutback. He has demonstrated his proclivity for preventing wide men from effortlessly crossing the ball.
A GUNNER MOVE?
With multiple clubs linked with a move for Kelly, it will be a huge triumph for Arsenal to get him especially considering how stacked are the Gunners in that left-back role with Zinny, Tomi, and Timer – all can feature on that left sided defensive flank, with both Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber capable of playing down the middle – much like Kelly.
Although Kelly’s contract at the Vitality Stadium is up at the end of the current season, and this can be considered as another of an market opportunistic signing that Mikel and Edu would be talking about.
Despite being the favourites, I have a feeling this is far from its conclusion. There should be more twists and turns before Kelly ends up with a big clubs – be it Arsenal or beyond.
