During Mikel Arteta's 18 month reign as Arsenal boss, Kieran Tierney has established himself as one of the Gunners' most important players.
The Scottish international is vital at both ends of the pitch, regularly delivering pin-point crosses to his teammates as well as consistently shutting out opposition right-wingers.
However, the 23-year-old's has often struggled with a variety of fitness problems and his absences have illustrated just how weak his deputies are.
With Sead Kolasinac loaned out to Schalke in January, Cedric Soares and Granit Xhaka have often been tasked with filling in for Tierney at left-back, something both of which have struggled with.
These struggles have resulted in the Gunners dipping into the transfer market with Southampton's Ryan Bertrand fiercely linked with a move to the Emirates.
Bertrand is vastly experienced but given he turns 32 this summer it would be a short-term solution to Arsenal 's left-back problems, something a number of the Gunners fans would like to avoid after Willian's so-far unsuccessful stint in North London.
Here we have detailed three younger Ryan Bertrand alternatives Arsenal should target this summer.
Lee Buchanan
Derby's Lee Buchanan has emerged as an exciting young talent amid a gloomy season for the Rams.
Buchanan helped guide the rams to Championship safety this season, starting 28 league games and coming off the bench on a further seven occasions.
During these displays, the Englishman illustrated why he has been tipped for a move to a top-flight side, showcasing his natural athletic abilities and technical ability coupled with intelligent, astute defending.
Buchanan's stellar performances have even earned him his first two caps for England's under-21 side as Aidy Bothroyd has recognised his raw talent
The young fullback is also tactically versatile, having been developed as a left-wing back in a back five, as well as a more traditional left-back in a 4-2-3-1 formation, two systems which Mikel Arteta tends to favour.
Given he is just 20-years-old and is a homegrown talent Buchanan could be a clever coup for the Gunners this summer.
Tyrick Mitchell
Crystal Palace's Tyrick Mitchell is undoubtedly the best left-back on this left when it comes to pure defending.
The 21-year-old has drawn comparisons to former Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka due to their similar play styles.
Mitchell averages 3.37 tackles, 1.49 interceptions and 2.58 blocks per game this season, an excellent stat line considering he had only made four Premier League appearances before this season.
However, if the Gunners do decide to pursue the young Englishman they may have to fork out more money than the other players on this list would cost.
Mitchell recently signed a new four-year contract with the Eagles, a deal that could make him too expensive for Mikel Arteta 's men given their current financial restrictions.
Borna Sosa
In the 2020/21 campaign, Stuttgart's Borna Sosa has established himself as one of the Bundesliga's most exciting left-backs.
The 23-year-old would be an excellent addition to any club looking for a fullback with blistering pace and consistent delivery from the left flank.
Sosa has registered a whopping nine league assists in just 25 outings for Stuttgart this season, incredible statistics for any player never mind a defender.
The Croatia-under 21 international is also a force defensively, averaging 1.98 blocks and 3.46 clearances per game this season. At 6 foot 1 inch, he is an aerial presence, something the Gunners have been accused of lacking in recent years.
However, with Arsenal having a bloated squad it is likely that Arteta may target an English left-back, with homegrown talents Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland-Niles likely to be shown the door.
