Reports in Spain earlier this week claimed that the Gunners were targeting the 26-year-old and Romano has confirmed they have been keeping an eye on the player, along with Martin Zubimendi:
“Arsenal sent their scouts to follow both Zubimendi and Le Normand this year as they’re doing excellent with Sociedad, but nothing is concrete yet. The Gunners’ plans on new signings will be made in the next weeks, nothing is advanced yet. The price for Le Normand is the release clause: €50m.”
Fans on Twitter are not quite sure what to make of the links. While Le Normand is a capable defender, not everyone believes he would be a worthwhile purchase:
Why not seal the deal now..why wait till season ends
— Oluwatosin (@quadri_tosi) April 20, 2023
Le Normand is not the quickest. Not sure about compromising our high line.
— StudentOFThegame (@Lehlogonoloser9) April 20, 2023
Another LCB? Why
— BukayoSzn (@BukayoSznn) April 20, 2023
Good idea but arsenal need even striker, like Vlahovic, Osimhen
— oluk moses (@oluknicodemoses) April 20, 2023
Robin Le Normand is the man I want!
— Gooner Sulz (@GoonerSulz) April 19, 2023
Why would we buy players from a terrible league?
— Juego De Mikel (@WeveGotSuperMik) April 20, 2023
It should be pointed out that, even though he does usually play as a left-sided centre-half, Le Normand is right-footed.
With that being the case, it could well mean that the Frenchman is being eyed as a potential replacement for Rob Holding.
As Romano mentions, though, Real Sociedad are expected to demand €50m (£44m) for Le Normand and that is a very steep figure for someone who would likely only be a backup option for William Saliba.