Why Nico Elvedi will be a good signing for Arsenal
According to French outlet Le10 Sport (h/t Daily Express), Arsenal are interested in Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back Nico Elvedi.
The Swiss centre-back has been a regular feature within the Monchengladbach side since the 2017-18 season following a move from FC Zurich in the summer of 2015.
The 23-year-old defender’s rock-solid displays at the back have seen him mature into one of the first names on the team sheet in recent times. Elvedi’s consistency in Monchengladbach’s defence has seen him feature in 25 of their 26 league games this term, helping them to an impressive third place in the league table.
Elvedi has played a vital role in helping Marco Rose’s Monchengladbach climb to the third spot in the league table after conceding just 31 goals altogether this term.
They currently have the third-best defensive record in the Bundesliga alongside Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg, who are fifth and sixth respectively. Elvedi was excellent last season too for Monchengladbach, making 33 league appearances with 12 clean sheets to his name.
Despite still being young, Elvedi has already played 158 matches for the German side and has 5 goals and 7 assists under his belt. With Elvedi’s performances clearly helping his side emerge as one of the top-three in the country, it is evident that he is a talent worth admiring.
His consistency and excellent defensive abilities make him an even more alluring prospect and it is no big wonder Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have expressed an interest in him.
Elvedi can offer Arsenal stability at the back
Meanwhile, North London side Arsenal have had a difficult campaign in the league so far with the club lying a lowly 9th in the league. Despite having as many as five centre-backs in their side Arsenal have been inconsistent at the back that has seen them concede 36 goals from their 28 league outings.
The arrival of veteran centre-back David Luiz from Chelsea last summer did not help them much as they continued to slip down the rankings. Also, seasoned campaigners Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi have been prone to errors that they really need new defensive reinforcements.
With his side continuously struggling at the back, Arteta was forced to bring Fluminense defender Pablo Mari on loan until the end of this season. Meanwhile, Englishman Rob Holding is coming back to fitness after nine months out with a serious injury.
Hence, the arrival of a consistent defender like Elvedi at the Emirates will only help them stabilise a weak defence that has let down their side this term.
Moreover, in Elvedi Arsenal have a cheaper alternative with the side also a victim of the financial implications due to the coronavirus.
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Verdict
Despite having enough centre-backs with them, Arsenal have been largely inconsistent in their defence this season. Considering that, Elvedi will only make them stronger and offer manager Arteta plenty of options at the back. An already proven performer, Arsenal need not think twice but rope in Elvedi sooner than later if they wish to climb the table next season.
