Arsenal Transfers: 3 Squad Players They Should Consider To Sign For Defensive Positions

Arsenal’s Belgium ace Thomas Vermaelen may or may not leave the Emirates this summer following speculations that he has already agreed a fee with Manchester United but knowing Arsenal’s history in the recent past, anything is bound to happen. The central defensive unit of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker have been up to the task for the London club but Wenger will be in the lookout for a quality centre back who can give competition to the French-German pair for a starting eleven spot. Today we provide our readers our results of a scouting mission on which three defenders will plug the hole as Vermaelen is set for the exit from the FA Cup winners.

Toby Alderweireld:

The 25 year old Belgian plays more of a right back despite being an efficient centre back for Atletico Madrid. The former Ajax man is a brilliant defender on his day and an imposing presence at the back who revels in front foot defending.  Alderweireld hardly commits himself into tackles, which is his biggest asset and his ability to intercept at the back will excite Wenger to sign him from the Rojiblancos in the summer.Toby Alderweireld is valued at around £8.8m, which may very well fall into Wenger’s criteria of a defensive signing. However, rivals Tottenham are interested in the Belgian as well which could lead to a bidding war.

Spurs’s new manger Mauricio Pochettino is set to revive their defensive lineup and Alderweireld could be a perfect choice. In any case, the Atletico Madrid defender will prefer a club which offers regular first team football. Can Wenger offer this Belgium ace what he needs to bring him to the Emirates? After all, he is versatile and a best possible replacement if Vermaelen leaves. 

Marcos Rojo:

The Sporting Lisbon defender is immensely versatile and can play as a centre back or as a left back, like he does for Argentina. The 24 year old is one of the best young talents in Europe and has attracted the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur over the past few months. His running abilities with an immense work rate will give Arsenal that extra zip in attack and provide a different dimension in their attacking outlet from the wings. The Gunners can weigh up offers for the Argentine in the summer and with Rojo been an integral part of his club side in Portugal, it could be a massive coup for the London side if they acquire his signature.

Although he cannot be truly believed in the first choice role, be it at left back or centre back, but if Wenger believes that he can get the best out of the Argentine by effectively rotating him then Rojo is the man for Arsenal. His performances in the ongoing World Cup for Argentina have been solid if not spectacular, which should make a case for Arsene Wenger.

Benedikt Howedes:

Another centre back who has impressed over the previous season has been 26 year old German Benedikt Howedes of Schalke. Joachim Loew has put enough confidence to award him a starting eleven spot in Brazil over Dortmund’s Erik Durm and his game play eventually shows that he is no pushover. His ability on the ball is quite rare for a defender these days and his immaculate vision will help Arsenal build from the back and the effortless ease with which he holds on the ball and breaks the opposition counter attacks with delightful interceptions is an asset for any club he plays for.

With a mini-German army that Wenger has managed to build, it wouldn’t take much convincing for the 26-year old to move to the Emirates. The German as the previous two defenders mentioned is a versatile defender, who can be deployed at center back if required.