Transfer Options – Defenders

What has become abundantly clear this season, is that our team requires some tweaking. A ruthless examination of our squad is mandatory, and if there are any chinks in the armour, then we have to use the resources available to enable our team to make that final step towards success.

It is all well and good to say we should strengthen our team, but where should we target? In the previous article, we looked at the options we could peruse in terms of firepower up front.

This blog will examine what we could possibly look at in regards to our defence. Is our backline strong enough? Here are some potential signings we could recruit that would only benefit our defence –

Konstantinos Manolas

The Greek centre-half was linked with us in 2014, but he found his way to Roma instead, but it indicates that Arsene Wenger is more than aware of his talent already. He has settled in well in Italy but rumours have once more surfaced about his availability, although his contract runs until 2019. It is thought a bid anywhere from £15-25m for the 24yr old would be enough to lure him to these shores, and his age means that he will only improve with experience. He has only acquired six bookings in the thirty appearances he has made in Serie A so far which points to a composed player, and is there anywhere to better than Italy to hone defensive skills? This could have legs….

Shkodran Mustafi

The German centre-back can also play on the right, and versatility is always a plus, but the fact he is now a constant presence on the German national squad speaks volumes. Playing for struggling Valencia could also mean he would be open to an exit, and with a strong presence of Die Mannschaft at Arsenal – Mustafi would have no problem settling in. The same rules for Manolas apply for Mustafi though – he has a contract that ties him up until 2019 and both have a similar market value – so the large outlay of transfer fee should be viewed as an investment – as both of these young defenders will only improve.

Mateo Musacchio

The Argentine plies his trade for Villareal, and was at one point linked with a move to England, but it never materialised. A couple of years older than the two players above, but this means he is nearer to the finished article. He is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and his appearances in the high-flying Villareal side has suffered this season as a result, but a frustrated player on the sidelines only means an increased opportunity in luring him to us. He would also be a little cheaper than Mustafi and Manolas – which would please Wenger!

Jose Gimenez

Gimenez is just 21 years old, but don’t be put off by his youth – this kid is something else. Signing Gimenez would be a real signal of intent from our club and the Uruguayan is showing this season that he has the pedigree that will see him at the very top of his profession. His contract runs until 2018, but it will take a massive bid to prise him away – as his boss Diego Simeone is more than aware of how good this youngster is.

There are of course other alternatives. Benedikt Howedes – although already 28, would be a seamless fit into the side, whilst we cannot forget the promise shown by our very own Calum Chambers. There are many alternatives, but the ones listed above are in my humble opinion, some of the finest options we have that could be attainable.

Arsenal need to add quality to our squad. There are players out there that can provide a real boost. Let us all hope we see it in the summer.

The next article will focus on potential midfield signings…….