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The January transfer window is now officially open and every club will be looking to strengthen their team in whatever way they can. One such Premier League team that desperately needs reinforcements is Arsenal, particularly in their back line. Despite the arrival of Unai Emery, the Gunners' defensive capabilities have not improved at all.
They have already conceded 36 goals in all competitions so far this season. While Sokratis' arrival has added some steel, injuries to Rob Holding, and Shkodran Mustafi and Laurent Koscielny's inconsistency, have made Arsenal even more desperate for a central defender. Things have gotten so bad for Arsenal this season that they have had to play the likes of Stephen Lichtsteiner and Granit Xhaka at centre back.
To make matters worse, the Gunners do not have a huge budget over this January transfer window. This means they will not be able to attract a top quality centre back and will have to dip into the loan market for a new centre back. While that might be their most likely route, Emery can target a few bargain center backs who can really be the leader Arsenal lack right now.
Here is a look at 4 bargain CB's Unai Emery should target over this January transfer window:
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#1 Malang Sarr (OGC Nice)
Current market value: €17,000,000
A product of the OGC Nice youth system, Malang Sarr worked his way up the Ligue 1 team before breaking into the first team in the 2016/17 season where he helped them finish third. Since then he has gone on to become an important part of the Nice team making a total of 79 appearances. The Frenchman is still only just 19 years old and is still a very raw talent and a club like Arsenal will definitely help him develop into a top player.
Sarr is a very physical defender and is not scared of making a tackle or two. His passing capabilities are also exceptional having an 88.5% pass success rate this season. At just €17,000,000, Arsenal should definitely target him before his stock rises.
#2 Jemerson (AS Monaco)
Current market value: €18,000,000
After moving to AS Monaco from Atletico Mineiro, Jemerson has made a name for himself as one of the best centre backs in Ligue 1. After making just four appearances in his first season, the Brazilian played a key role for Monaco in the 2016/17 season where he helped his team win the Ligue 1 and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Jemerson is 26 years old, and with Monaco battling relegation this season, he might be interested in moving to bigger and better things. Arsenal should definitely target the Brazilian and with Monaco currently struggling, they might be willing to sell him.
The 6 ft tall defender is very strong, a good header of the ball, can intercept well and is good at picking out a pass. In a year where Monaco have been nowhere near their best, Jemerson has still managed to maintain a pass success rate of 87.9% this season.
#3 Reece Oxford (West Ham United)
Current market value: €6,300,000
Ever since putting in a superb performance against Arsenal in the opening match of the 2015/16 season, Reece Oxford's career has gone on a downward spiral. The defender was just 16 back then and he was tipped for greatness, but things have not gone his way since then. Loan spells at Reading and Borussia Mönchengladbach were supposed to help him elevate his game, but that never happened.
Since making his debut aged 16, Oxford has gone on to make a total of just 32 first team appearances in four years. However, things are looking bright once again for one of the best youth prospects in English football. Now 20, Oxford has gone back to basics and is currently plying his trade for West Ham's U-23 side. In 12 appearances, he has scored 3 goals and assisted 1.
Oxford still has huge potential and if he does not get a chance to prove himself under Manuel Pellegrini anytime soon, Arsenal should snap up the youngster. It could be a huge gamble, but he could prove to be the defender Arsenal need.
#4 Jamaal Lascelles (Newcastle United)
Current market value: €15,000,000
Jamaal Lascelles might not be the defender the Arsenal fans are hoping for, but given Arsenals strict budget and their need for a centre back, the Newcastle captain certainly fits the bill. Now, Newcastle might need some persuasion to sell him given that he recently signed a new contract. But with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley being very stingy with their transfer budget, they might be open to selling him in the hope of raising some money.
Newcastle managed a 10th place finish last season despite having one of the weakest squads in the Premier League and Lascelles was to thank for that. The 6 ft 2 in defender is amazing in the air and is very calm and composed when going in for a tackle. He averaged 6.6 clearances per game so far this season and knows the Premier League inside out.
The Arsenal fans will certainly be hoping for a big money, big name player to bolster their defence. But with Stan Kroenke not willing to open up funds for transfers, Lascelles and the above-mentioned defenders will have to show under Emery's guidance that they can certainly complete the missing piece in Arsenal's defence.
(All stats are from whoscored.com)
