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Arsenal suffered their biggest defeat under Unai Emery as they were hammered 5-1 by a high-flying Liverpool side in their last game of 2018. The Gunners opened the scoring at Anfield through an unlikely source - Ainsley Maitland-Niles, with the young English full-back netting his first goal for the Arsenal senior side.
Liverpool scored a quick-fire double via Roberto Firmino to put Liverpool up in the 16th minute. Sadio Mane scored the 3rd goal for the Reds, from a delicious pass by in-form Mo Salah, with the Egyptian putting the game to bed with a fourth goal in the dying minutes of the first half, after being brought down by Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
Roberto Firmino completed his well-deserved hat-trick in the second half from the spot, as the Gunners conceded a second penalty when Sead Kolasinac bundled Dejan Lovren in the box. Conceding 2 penalties and leaking 5 goals in a single match shows how Arsenal desperately need to beef up their defense.
The Gunners have shown tremendous improvement under the leadership of Unai Emery, going 22 matches unbeaten, before their amazing run was halted by Southampton.
Arsenal have shown their pedigree under Emery, and the addition of a world-class centre-back could propel them to a top four finish this season. Having only kept three clean sheets and conceded 31 goals in the Premier League this season, mending the defense should be a priority for the Gunners this January.
Here is a look at centre-backs Unai Emery could sign to boost their top four chances this season.
#5 Nathan Ake
Nathan Ake has developed into one of the finest defenders in the division since leaving Chelsea in 2016 to join Bournemouth on a loan deal.
Bournemouth finally signed the Dutch defender in 2017 for a club record fee. Having only made 17 appearances for the Blues, Ake has amassed 74 appearances for Bournemouth across two seasons so far.
The young Dutch defender was crowned Bournemouth supporters player of the season in his first full season since leaving Chelsea. His impressive performances and improvement under Eddie Howe hasn't gone unnoticed, as he has made 10 appearances for the Dutch national team.
Ake's versatility and calmness on the ball is exactly what Arsenal need in their defense, and his Premier League experience makes him a perfect fit for the Gunners' shaky defense. Ake is comfortable in possession, hence would be perfect for Unai Emery's Arsenal.
All stats via transfermarkt
#4 Lewis Dunk
Lewis Dunk has been impressive for Brighton & Hove Albion in the heart of their defence this season. His assured performances for Chris Hughton's side caught the eye of England coach, Gareth Southgate, as he earned his first cap for the national side in 2018, making his debut in the Three Lions' 3-0 win over USA.
The Seagulls skipper has been leading by example with his no-nonsense defending, as they have kept 4 clean sheets, one more than Arsenal. Brighton have conceded fewer goals than top four chasing Gunners, with the latter conceding 31 goals as compared to 29 goals by the former.
Brighton & Hove Albion's defensive masterclass this season has been down to Lewis Dunk who has been offering calmness and leadership at the heart of their defence. Dunk's experience and leadership could be very valuable for Arsenal.
#3 Daniele Rugani
Daniele is one of the top Italian defenders of his generation, and is the future. At only 24-years, Rugani has made over 100 appearances for both Juventus and Empoli in the Italian top flight.
He has severally been linked with a move away from Italian giants, Juventus, but a concrete deal has not materialised. Rugani has had limited playing time this season with the return of Leonardo Bonucci, as he has only made 6 appearances in all competitions.
The Italian is highly regarded at Juventus, but a move away from Turin would aid his development, instead of the time he now spends on the bench.
His confidence on the ball and ability to play it out of the back-line could make him a perfect fit for Arsenal. Rugani's height, physical attributes, and aerial ability makes him a perfect fit for the English Premier League, and he could take his career to a whole new level by joining Arsenal.
#2 Kostas Manolas
Kostas Manolas has developed into one of the finest defenders since joining AS Roma in 2014 from Greek side Olympiacos, making 192 appearances for the capital club so far, including their impressive Champions League run last season, where they reached the semi-finals before being bundled out by Liverpool.
The Greek defensive maestro has been a mainstay at the heart of Roma's defence, with assured performances despite their shaky start to the season.
Manolas is at the peak of his career, and could lift the Arsenal defence, as his pace and strength could be very vital in stopping counter attacks.
Kostas has been linked with a move to Manchester United and PSG this January transfer window, and Arsenal should act fast if they are to sign the defender.
#1 Alessio Romagnoli
It's no surprise that another Italian defender makes the list. Italy has a history of producing the best defenders in the football world, as Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro became the first defender in a decade to win the much coveted Ballon d'Or in 2006, becoming only the third defender to win it.
Romagnoli has developed into one of the best centre-backs in the Italian top flight since joining the Rossoneri as a youngster in 2015 from rivals AS Roma, and has gone on to make over 100 appearances.
His impressive performance for AC Milan saw him being appointed the captain despite being only 23 years. He has shown great leadership, confidence, and assured performances for the Rossoneri at the heart of their defence, as they sit 5th on the table, and have only conceded 20 goals.
His left footed centre-back technique, distribution, decision-making, and tackling abilities show how important he could be to an Arsenal side that lacks quality in defence.
