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After a stagnant transfer window initially, Arsenal have accelerated their summer business with just ten days left before the window shuts. Nicolas Pepe is seemingly set to become the Gunners' fourth summer signing after Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba, and Dani Ceballos.
Despite their respectable exploits in the transfer market, the Londoners still need a few players to bolster their backline which managed a paltry eight clean sheets in the Premier League last season. As of now, Kieran Tierney is the only defender being linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer. Do note that while the Gunners did sign centre-back William Saliba, he was immediately loaned back to AS Saint-Etienne.
At least one centre-back will certainly have to arrive at Arsenal in order to reinvigorate their back-four ahead of next campaign. With the 2019-20 campaign just around the corner, let's take a look at the Gunners' ideal back-four for the upcoming season.
RB: Hector Bellerin
During his time at Arsenal, Hector Bellerin has garnered plenty of criticism for his defensive contribution. The Spaniard, though, enjoyed his best spell of football due to a license of expressing himself freely in offence under the tutelage of Unai Emery - registering five league assists in the process.
Unfortunately, Bellerin, in the game against Chelsea, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament of the left knee, which sidelined him for six months. Despite recovering well, the 24-year-old will miss the starting few weeks of action next season. Carl Jenkinson could deputise for Hector until the Barcelona-born full-back is passed fit.
After his spell on the sideline concludes, Bellerin is almost certain to reclaim a spot in the starting XI. Dani Alves is linked with a move to Arsenal but, given his age, the Brazilian would have to satisfy himself with a supporting role next season, should he sign for the Gunners.
LB: Kieran Tierney
Kieran Tierney will be Arsenal's priority once they conclude a deal for Nicolas Pepe. The London club has already made a few approaches with an offer worth around £25m. However, the parties have not agreed to a transfer fee with Celtic being unhappy with the breakdown of the upfront amount.
In spite of a prevailing impasse, the clubs are expected to reach consensus before August 8, the day when the transfer window closes for the Premier League. The Gunners will have a budding full-back with an immense potential to achieve.
Tierney, in his 171 appearances for Celtic, has racked up impressive attacking figures of eight goals and 37 assists. The numbers underscore the attacking abilities of the Scottish fullback. From Tierney, Unai Emery will get much-needed incisiveness from the wider areas.
CB: Daniele Rugani
Daniele Rugani has been unfortunate to find himself in the same squad as Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. Last season, the defender made just 20 appearances across all competitions for Juventus. To pile up the misery, Matthijs de Ligt's arrival in Turin has pushed the Italy international further down the pecking order.
Hence, the 25-year-old could be keen on a move away from Juventus this summer. As reports suggest, Arsenal are well poised to make a one-year loan offer for Rugani. A spell away from the Italian giants could help the defender and also solve the defensive crisis existing at the Emirates Stadium currently.
CB: Rob Holding
Since his move to Arsenal from Bolton Wanderers in 2016, Rob Holding has made steady progress for the London club alongside skipper Laurent Koscielny. Last season, after a string of dominating performances, the 23-year-old almost played his way into the national side. Unfortunately, the centre-back suffered a knee injury, sidelining him for at least six to nine months.
Also, since Holding's injury, Unai Emery's defence struggled for cohesion and leaked a plethora of goals in the Premier League. Arsenal conceded a mammoth 51 goals in the league last season.
With the Englishman displaying leading credentials, it is not long before Rob Holding will don Arsenal's armband with club captain Laurent Koscielny set to depart.
