Kevin Malcuit's agent has said his client Kevin Malcuit did not consider a move to Arsenal in January and favoured getting more playing time under Carlo Ancelotti for the rest of the season.
According to France Football , the full-back became a 'priority' for Unai Emery's side following Hector Bellerin's season-ending knee injury.
The Gunners need for another right back may be revisited this summer with the possibility that Stephan Lichtsteiner leaves the club.
The Swiss international has confirmed he's been in talks with Arsenal over extending his contract but it seems uncertain that deal will be complete at the moment.
'£5m off potential transfer fee' - Arsenal fans slam Shkodran Mustafi for first-half horror show
27-year-old Malcuit would offer a more youthful alternative than Lichtsteiner but only joined the Italian side in August 2018 for a reported €11 million, after spells in Ligue 1 with Saint-Etienne and then Lille.
The defender has been linked with a move to England multiple times with both Southampton and West Ham having reportedly fielded interested in the player, while Manchester United sent scouts to watch him in 2017 following his impressive performances for Saint-Etienne.
How good is Kevin Malcuit? We use FIFA 19 to analyse the Arsenal transfer target
The Frenchman has been in and out of Ancelotti's side but has played 45 minutes or more in each of the Serie A team's last five matches and Bruno Satin seems confident of client's position.
Speaking to Radio CRC he said: "I knew that after Bellerin's injury the club was looking for a fullback, but Kevin had just arrived in Naples and playing more and more with Ancelotti, we didn't consider certain hypotheses.
While Malcuit has yet to threaten the international ranks, it seems his importance to Napoli going into next season is a crucial factor.
Sactor said: "There is a group that has worked and works well. Pavard gives confidence to the coach even if adapted, obviously Deschamps tries to rely on the players who give him more guarantee. Kevin has shown he can be an important player for Napoli, also in view of next year."
What Charlton boss Lee Bowyer had to say about Arsenal's interest in Joe Aribo
Keep up to date with the latest news, features and exclusives from football.london via the free football.london app for iPhone and Android.
Available to download from the App Store and Google Play.
