Arsenal Scout Grimandi Identifies Possible Sagna Successor – Report

Arsenal are continuing their search for a new right-back and have asked chief French scout Giles Grimandi to pay close attention to the performances of Monaco defender Fabinho.

The Brazilian is currently on-loan from Portuguese side Rio Ave and has helped Monaco make a fantastic start to the season as they currently occupy third sport, just one point behind Lille and three behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

Fabinho spent last season on-loan at Real Madrid where he played some 30 games for their B team before earning his first league start for the senior side in the 6-2 win over Malaga.

Arsenal are believed to be searching for a long-term successor to current right-back Bacary Sagna who is out of contract at the end of the season and is expected to depart after some seven seasons with the club.

The Daily Mail reports that Grimandi will be keeping a close eye on the performances of the 20-year-old defender who will almost certainly be looking to leave Rio Ave after playing for huge European clubs in Real Madrid and Monaco.

Grimandi has helped manager Arsene Wenger identify a number of talented Ligue 1 players in recent seasons, with the former Arsenal defender playing a role in the deals that saw strikers Olivier Giroud and Yaya Sanogo move to the Emirates.

The Gunners are always looking to identify young talent and currently have chief scout Steve Rowley out in United Arab Emirates watching the Under-17 World Cup.

Rowley is said to have been impressed with Brazilian duo Boschilia and Nathan who have scored some 11 goals between them during the tournament.

Arsenal have previously signed players who have excelled at the youth World Cup, having purchased both Cesc Fabregas and Carlos Vela after they starred for Spain and Mexico respectively.