Arsenal's Dream Summer Of Signings

Centre Back

Arsenal have a rich history of quality centre-backs from McLintock to O’Leary to Adams, Bould and Keown, to Campbell to Mertesacker and Koscielny. Under Arsène Wenger there have been a few duffers in guise of Senderos, Cygan and Squillaci but in Koscielny, Toure and Mertesacker there is a counter-argument for the fallacy that Wenger doesn’t understand defenders and doesn’t buy good ones – even Gallas was a good defender, despite being completely bonkers.

With the future of Thomas Vermaelen uncertain, Arsenal could be looking for up to two centre-backs this summer and they will have to be of the highest quality to break the partnership of Mertesacker and Koscielny or alternatively, a game ready future prospect able to turn in a performance when needed whilst being groomed to take over from the forenamed players.

Who could constitute a dream signing?

Benedikt Höwedes

Benedikt Höwedes

This 26 year old German international is a first-team regular for Schalke in the Bundesliga and has attracted admirers from all across Europe. An excellent centre-back who is competent at right full back when required could add a reversed versatility to the all but gone Sagna who is able to fill in at centre-back.

Höwedes is a consummate professional who possesses a fantastic blend of the attributes found in the Mertesacker and Koscielny partnership. He has superb reading of the game, excellent ball retention, is strong in the tackle, is a brilliant interceptor of the ball and is an accomplished passer of the ball.

Benedikt likes to play short passes which would immediate settle him into the Arsenal style of play and he is experienced in playing Champions League football.

Sergio Ramos

Tempting away this versatile defender from one of the best club sides in the world would be nigh on impossible but hey, this is the dream transfer list! Comfortable operating as a centre-back and also a right full-back this two time European Championship, World Cup, La Liga and Copa Del Rey winner is one of the top defenders in the world.

Sergio has matured into one of the most consistent defenders in Europe and has moved on from his youthful petulance to become a star defender in a Madrid side famed for placing all of the emphasis on attack. Best friends with Arsenal star Mesut Özil so maybe signing him wouldn’t be a complete dream if he became available despite every top club in the world probably wanting his signature.

Seamus Coleman

The man many want to take over from Bacary Sagna. This 25 year old Irishman has seen his stock rise since joining Everton and his value increase from £60,000 to a reported £20m. An accomplished defender who finely balances attack and defence, Coleman is currently the best right back in the league and looks set to keep his crown for a long time yet. Slightly weaker than Sagna in aerial duels but with time on his side you can imagine he’ll iron out that tiny crease in his report card.

Philipp Lahm

This is a dream list and few right backs could be considered over Lahm in a dream team. If Arsenal wanted an upgrade on Sagna then they wouldn’t have to look beyond Lahm but tempting him away from Bayern Munich would be almost impossible.

Edited by Staff Editor