Two players Arsenal should sign in the January window
Arsenal have successfully resurrected their Premier League campaign with back-to-back wins over West Ham United and Cardiff City. Although they did not have the best of starts to the season with consecutive losses to Manchester City and Chelsea, the victories should boost the morale of the team and provide new manager Unai Emery with some breathing space.
However, Arsenal’s wins haven’t been too comprehensive and their performance can’t be rated as splendid by any means. The Gunners have looked quite bright going forward but they lack solidity at the back. The backline has lacked discipline and their centre-backs – Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis Papasthapoulos – seemingly have little understanding between them.
Emery bolstered the midfield in the summer transfer window with the addition of Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi to the squad. While another new signing, Sokratis, has gradually adapted to the new surroundings and has arguably been the best amongst the defenders, Mustafi has found it difficult to deal with the opposition this season.
That said, Arsenal need to sign defensive reinforcements in January. Here are two realistic options they must target.
1. Domagoj Vida
The Croatian with a signature ponytail rose to prominence at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and was one of the standout performers for his country on their route to the finals.
The 29-year-old centre-back has the versatility to play in different positions across the backline and currently plies his trade with Besiktas in the Turkish League.
With his sense of liveliness and physicality, the Croatian should be the ideal man to partner Sokratis at the back for Arsenal. He is composed enough in a deep defensive line and also has the agility and recovery pace to play in a high line.
Although Vida is not the tallest man on the pitch, he has the ability to win aerial duels more often than not. His aerial ability makes him a potent threat from indirect set-piece situations. A defender blessed with physical strength and a good positional sense, the Croatian should be able to help Arsenal achieve a better defensive record in the Premier League.
2. Emerson Palmieri
The Brazil-born Italian left-back made his move to Stamford Bridge from AS Roma earlier in January. However, the versatile and talented left-back made only five appearances for the Blues last season and is yet to make it to the matchday squad for any of the games this season.
A player defined by technical brilliance, Emerson is comfortable with the ball at his feet and has the ability to dribble past the opposition defenders with pace. The Brazilian is adept at weaving around defenders through narrow spaces along the left flank and has a keen eye for delivering quality crosses into the box. He is also good at playing short passes and tends to link play with the attackers up front.
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With Marcos Alonso working wonders for Chelsea, Emerson is not likely to play too much and Arsenal should look to sign him as a replacement for Nacho Monreal, who is already 32 and has shown signs of switching off at crucial moments.
