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Two new young center-backs:
Need: Vermaelen is certainly unhappy at Arsenal and may even leave Arsenal at the end of the season. He won’t be short of suitors, with Napoli and West Ham having shown interest in him.
Even Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny aren’t exactly what you would call ‘footballing youth’ as they are nearing their 30’s. It is imperative for us to sign two young center-backs for our long-term planning.
Steven Caulker
Answer: Jamaal Lascelles and Steven Caulker
For those who don’t know, Lascelles is an English center-back for Nottingham Forest and at the tender age of 20, he has made an impression on the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool. As per British media, Forest’s asking price is in the region of 3 million pounds.
At 189 cm, his height is towering as is his presence in the air. Again, he also likes to play short passes. He seems to be one for the future and looking back 20 years later, 3 million may seem like nothing.
As for Caulker, a small background check. He is actually a former Spurs player who also played for Swansea City on loan. Now he is at Cardiff, where Arsenal can take advantage of Cardiff’s potential relegation and get him on a nominal fee.
- Unlike Lescelles, he has years of EPL experience even when he is just 22. He likes to block the ball and plays the ball off the ground often.
- His major problem is his tackling and passing aren’t upto the mark. This is what prompted Vilas Boas to sell him to Cardiff while he was Tottenham boss. If Arsene Wenger can mould him into a better footballer, I wouldn’t be complaining.
A defensive midfielder to replace Arteta
Need: Arsenal have struggled to win back the ball in recent games where Arteta has played. He now looks out of pace, and his defensive capabilities are on the decline.
Blaise Matuidi
Answer: Blaise Matuidi is at present, a lockdown in the PSG midfield. He is an expert in the art of defensive midfield and best of all, he could even be available for free in July. Assuming he won’t sign a contract at PSG, Arsenal should sign him before the competition heats up.
He is very good at holding on the ball, his defensive output is high, and is a good passer of the ball. He is also very good at the tackle. He is very consistent as the whoscored.com rating of 7.24 shows.
