Arsenal transfers: Five alternative centre-backs the Gunners could sign this summer
Arsenal are on the hunt for a world-class centre-back as they attempt to rebuild for next season.The current campaign isn’t even over yet, but conceding three goals in three consecutive games against Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Leicester City has been chastening.
Getty
6Arsenal’s Spanish head coach Unai EmeryThe Gunners could yet finish in the top four but need to improve their backline with Shkodran Mustafi currently a figure of fun, while Laurent Koscielny is 33 years old and reaching the end of his top level career.Given the club currently only have a small transfer budget for the summer, there will be sales with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Mesut Ozil, and Mustafi possibly leaving for the right deal.And, according to The Sun, Emery is looking at one of Harry Maguire, Toby Alderweireld, Kurt Zouma, and Djene Dakonam, although none would be bargains.But what if there was some cheaper talent available? talkSPORT.com has scoured the globe and we reckon we might have five talented players who could cost a bit less than the names already in the frame, check them out below.
Ibrahima Konate (RB Leipzig)Strong in the air and a master at keeping it simple, Konate is excelling the Bundesliga.Arsenal have previously been reported to be looking at the Frenchman and it is unsurprising.He could do with improving his passing but he still moves the ball forward well and wouldnt cost as much as some of the Premier League stars linked.
6Ibrahima Konate in action for RB LeipzigMario Hermoso (Espanyol)Another player recently watched by the Gunners is the 23-year-old ex-Real Madrid centre-back. Reports in November suggested he was an option for Emery but nothing materialised in January.His form this season earned him an international call-up back in November and he played against Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.He times his tackles well and is happy to get physical without giving a foul, which could come in handy in the Premier League.
6Hermoso celebrates an Espanyol goal against Girona FC at Montilivi StadiumGianluca Mancini (Atalanta)The composed Italian centre-back is another left-sided player, a requirement soon with Laurent Koscielny now 33 and approaching the end of a fine Emirates career.Like Hermoso, hes excellent at timing his challenges and at 6ft 3in hes very capable aerially too.Hes a huge Inter fan and wears the no.23 shirt in tribute to Marco Materazzi, he even had a tattoo of the ex-Everton centre-back when he was 16.Hes also involved in namesake Roberto Mancinis Italy squads at the moment thanks to his good form.
6Gianluca Mancini in action against Liechtenstein during Italy’s 2020 UEFA European Championships group J qualifying matchJoachim Andersen (Sampdoria)Staying in Serie A, Andersen has been linked with rivals Tottenham in recent months.Hes a fine ball-player who already possesses excellent positioning and intelligence, especially when it come to reacting in under pressure scenarios.Andersen can pass the ball forward with relative ease and will try and get his team on the front foot quickly, whether its from dead balls or open play.
6Joachim Andersen in action for Sampdoria during a friendly with FulhamLisandro Martinez (Defensa Y Justicia)A spritely young left-sided centre-back, Martinez would be a signing for the future. While some may baulk at his 5ft 9in height, the Argentines incredible technique with the ball at his feet makes him an attractive proposition in the modern game where centre-backs must be just as blessed with the ball as they are without it.Hes got an excellent long range pass on him too if youre looking for someone to spread the play. Hes can operate in a back-three or a back-four, and has also spent time at left-back, giving some versatility which would be welcomed at the Emirates.Martinez, 21, also has one cap for Argentina as they look to youth, with Tottenham star Juan Foyth also a squad regular now.
6Lisandro Martinez on international duty for Argentina
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had a clause in his Arsenal contract that could have prevented him from playing more for the club.. The England midfielder sealed a £45million move to Liverpool last
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's bizarre contract clause at Arsenal
Virgil van Dijk has dismissed talk of winning the Ballon d'Or and insists he is fully focused on attempting to shackle "out of this world" Lionel Messi in the Champions League. Liverpool centre
Liverpool ace Virgil van Dijk was WRONG with Lionel Messi
HORSE PLAY A Hammers' fan was caught on camera launching the manure towards the travelling supporters prior to the game A West Ham United fan was caught throwing horse manure at Birmingham City supporters before their FA Cup clash on Saturday afternoon.
Disgraceful: West Ham fan threw horse poop at Birmingham
Manchester United must believe in interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and give him the role full-time, insists Andrei Kanchelskis. The Norwegian has impressed at Old Trafford since replacing Jose
Manchester United news: Paul Pogba must be a leader like Roy
Premier League Match Report for Newcastle United v Huddersfield Town on 23 February 2019, includes all goals and incidents. Have your say on the game in the comments. almost saw Almiron claim
Premier League official news, stats, results & videos
Sport > Football > Premier League Premier League: Manchester City v Crystal Palace match preview. A look ahead to this weekend's match at the Etihad Stadium
Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace Preview: Probable Lineups
West Ham United captain Mark Noble has as many Premier League assists as Mesut Ozil, Kevin De Bruyne and Fred combined Mark Noble is enjoying something of an Indian summer in his career. Despite a tricky start to the season, the West Ham United captain is finishing the campaign strongly as the Hammers target a top half finish.
NewsNow: Mark Noble news | Breaking News & Search 24/7
Terry McDermott believes Liverpool do not necessarily need to win a trophy this season to make their supporters proud. The Reds have had a superb season, amassing their highest points total in
NO CUPS, NO PROBLEM Liverpool legend suggests Reds don't need
Graeme Souness believes Liverpool's reinforced defence could be the bedrock for a 'decade of success' but Roy Keane fears Manchester United 'look really short' at the back. The two rivals meet at
Manchester United January transfer news: All the latest rumours ahead of winter window Blind is a January transfer target for La Liga after Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone gave the
Transfer news: Latest rumours, gossip and done deals from
QPR manager Steve McClaren praised his young players after a 2-1 victory at home to Leeds secured a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.. Jake Bidwell's header from Luke Freeman's corner with
Queens Park Rangers vs Leeds United at Loftus - qpr.co.uk
Chelsea transfer news: Maurizio Sarri lines up move for PSV star Hirving Lozano CHELSEA are ready to make a move for Hirving Lozano, according to reports in Italy. The Blues are desperate to
Chelsea 'to make £36m bid for PSV forward Hirving Lozano
Stoke City: Glen Johnson makes shocking revelations about dressing room during relegation season Johnson claims players knew they were doomed from the start of the season and it made him 'hate
Stoke City: Glen Johnson makes shocking revelations about
0 Comments