3 centre-backs Arsenal must consider in January to sort out their defensive woes including Chelsea veteran

3 centre-backs Arsenal should consider in January to sort out their problems

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Arsenal manager Unai Emery is considering signing a centre-back in the forthcoming winter transfer window.

Arsenal were short of natural centre-backs for the game against Southampton at St. Mary’s as Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis Papastathopoulos were both suspended, and Rob Holding is out with a long-term injury. Laurent Koscielny made his first Premier League appearance of the season on Sunday but it was a game to forget for the Arsenal captain.

Emery had to make do with a patched-up defence involving Granit Xhaka alongside Koscielny. So the Gunners certainly need to invest in a centre-half this January.

That said, here are three options Emery should consider to solve his defensive woes.

Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig)

Dayot Upamecano has established himself as one of the best young defenders in the Bundesliga.

The Frenchman, 20, has put in a series of impressive performances for RB Leipzig this season, featuring in 16 games for the German outfit and helping them climb to the 4th place in the league standings.

Upamecano, at such a young age, has already gained massive experience at the highest level of football. Blessed with great strength, aerial ability and good pace, he could turn out to be a massive signing for Arsenal as he has the potential to be a future star for the French national team.

Fernando Calero (Real Valladolid)

Real Valladolid’s Fernando Calero is making waves in the La Liga this season, catching everyone’s attention with a string of dominant displays. Such has been Calero’s impact that Valladolid currently have the fourth-best defence in the La Liga this season.

Despite not being the tallest of defenders, standing at 6ft, the 23-year-old is strong in the air. He is robust in the challenge and has a decent turn of pace, something which should entice Emery.

Playing at the top of his game, Calero fits Emery’s system at the Emirates. And at 23, the Spaniard would represent a fantastic long-term investment for the Gunners.

Gary Cahill (Chelsea)

If Emery wants a short-term fix, there is no better defender available than Gary Cahill at the moment.

Cahill has played a bit-part role under Maurizio Sarri so far at Chelsea this season and going forward, he can expect little game time under the Italian as he does not suit their style of play.

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It’s clear the former England international has little future at Stamford Bridge, so a move in January would be best for both parties. Despite Cahill turning 33 later this month, he could still be a useful addition to an Arsenal side in need of a temporary fix.