Three defenders Arsenal could sign in the January window
Arsenal are currently facing an injury crisis with Rob Holding out for the season and Laurent Koscielny still on his way back to full fitness. However, the Frenchman is on the wrong side of 30 and is certainly not getting any younger as time passes, which is why Unai Emery needs replacements.
That’s why, in a recent interview with Goal.com, manager Emery has revealed that he might splurge during the January transfer window to bring in defensive reinforcements. That being said, here are three players that the Arsenal boss should consider to solve his issues at the back.
#3 Malang Sarr (OGC Nice)
The Frenchman, 19, has already made 76 appearances for the Ligue 1 side since making his debut during the 2016/17 season. Barely out of his teens, Malang Sarr has already made his mark on the world, playing an integral part the last term as OGC Nice finished third.
However, the that he started out as a left-back before moving centrally would make him the ideal player for Arsenal. His technical ability, combined with his defensive acumen, makes him a brilliant prospect.
Having been trained by Lucian Favre – and now training under Patrick Vieira – Unai Emery should seriously consider making a winter move for the talented youngster.
#2 Eric Bailly (Manchester United)
Everyone saw what the burly Ivorian can do against Liverpool before Xherdan Shaqiri’s brilliant cameo at Anfield. However, prior to that, Eric Baily was rock solid and easily among Manchester United’s best players on the pitch until half-time. However, the 24-year-old has made only seven Premier League appearances so far this season.
But that’s down to injuries and form. As a result, Jose Mourinho turned towards Chris Smalling and Phil Jones. That simply means that Unai Emery and Arsenal have a chance at signing the former Valencia man and he would be a welcome addition.
Bailly’s strength, combined with his technical aspects, make him a good defender and he is among United’s most consistent defenders. However, the fact that he is a United player would make things tougher for Emery but Bailly is worth the risk.
#1 Medhi Benatia (Juventus)
With Leonardo Bonucci’s return, both Medhi Benatia and Daniele Rugani saw themselves ousted from the line-up. However, with interest from the Premier League stemming from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United (h/t Calciomercato), he has a way out.
For Arsenal, bringing in Benatia would be a cheap option in the near future. Although he is 31, Benatia is a brilliant centre-back and his experience with Juventus, AS Roma, Marseille and even Bayern Munich will be useful for Emery.
He was a revelation for Juventus last season but after being replaced by the returning Bonucci, reports from The Mirror have revealed that he wants to leave.
Read More: Arsenal signing this £10m-rated La Liga ace would help Emery in wake of Rob Holding’s injury
Arsenal wouldn’t have to pay through their teeth for the French-Moroccan star. Given his age and current status at Juventus, things do seem easy for the Gunners.
