Arsenal 'to solve Emery's problem position with a £1m deal'

Arsenal transfer news includes the latest on the pursuit of the highly-rated Luther James-Wildin.

Arsenal are understood to be monitoring the progress of Stevenage defender Luther James-Wildin.

Gunners scouts have been keeping abreast of the highly-rated 21-year-old right-back for some time now.

With the position a worry for Emirates boss Unai Emery with first-choice Hector Bellerin sidelined for at least the first six weeks of the season after a serious cruciate injury, the Arsenal head coach needs a replacement.

Carl Jenkinson has failed to nail down the role during his time at the club, and midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles filled in on occasions last term.

While Calum Chambers has returned from a year-long loan at Fulham, the versatile defender could be called upon to act as a makeshift centre-back after the fallout from Laurent Koscielny's refusal to travel to the US with the squad.

Football.london understands the £1million-rated James-Wildin has been on Arsenal's radar after a series of athletic eye-catching performances for League Two side Stevenage last term, with Gunners scouts regularly in attendance at Broadhall Way. 

The consistent James-Wildin, who has two caps for Antigua and Barbados, made 39 appearances for Dino Maamria's side during the last campaign as they narrowly failed to make the play-offs on the last day of the season.

After being released by Notts County as a 19-year-old without making a first-team appearance, he moved to Nuneaton, managed by current boss Maamria - who took him to Boro when he assumed the role in 2018.

James-Wildin is an accomplished musician as well as working as a lifesaver for a short spell after being released by the Magpies - helping to save a person's life during his stint as a lifeguard - but his prowess on the football field was rewarded by winning Stevenage's Young Player of the Year award last season.

The fans' favourite has been working hard during pre-season and played the first 45 minutes during the fourth tier club's friendly at Wingate & Finchley on Tuesday - where he was again watched by an Arsenal scout.

The League Two club have earned a reputation for developing young talent after England U20 star Ben Wilmot was sold to Premier League Watford last year for £1.4m, as he became the club's first seven figure sale.

The club also have high hopes for 18-year-old central midfielder Arthur Iontton who won the prestigious League Two Apprentice of the Year in the spring.