Forget Attackers – 3 Like For Like Replacements For Mertesacker That Arsenal Should Look To Sign

Arsenal have yet again slipped in their Premier League pursuit in what can be called as their best chance for winning the trophy. Well, the title is gone and so is the faith in Arsene Wenger. The French manager made Arsenal what they are today, but maybe it is the time to leave the club and take a rest from football.

Leaving Arsene Wenger aside, the team performed really well in the first half of the season, but they failed to capitalize their chances. Koscielny has been present all the time for the team, but besides him, no one showed the desire to stand up alongside him.

Club’s vice-captain Per Mertesacker is not the same anymore. He was a fan favourite and was considered as the best after his arrival in 2013, but in the current season, he has been criticized heavily. Knowing the pace and tempo of the Premier League, he was nowhere near his previous standards and won’t be a shock if Arsene brings a new center back to replace the towering German in Arsenal’s defence. So, here we are stating 3 perfect replacements for Mertesacker at Arsenal-

Jose Maria Gimenez-

The 21-year-old Uruguayan professional currently plays for the Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. His name in the list is surely a strange one, but he has got the talent to compete in the top flights of English football.

In his 27 appearances for the Spanish side, the young Uruguayan has won 52% of his average duels in La Liga this term. He also averages 9 defensive actions per game and that is something very cheerful. He has succeeded in his 56 out of 83 headed duels in the season and also have won 9 out of his 14 individual take ons.

The young defender is becoming the hottest prospect around Europe and is a highly rated center back. He cannot match the towering abilities of Mertesacker, but his South American tenacity makes him a tough one to beat.

Samuel Umtiti-

With PSG’s early French triumph this season, many players from the Ligue 1 went unnoticed. And one name from the league has been linked up with a Premier League move since long time. If it is a reality, Arsenal must go and sign the player.

Samuel Umtiti currently plays for the French side Lyon and has been a stand out performer for the side this season. In his 29 appearances for the side, he has won 65% of his average duels and also possesses a passing accuracy of 87%. Furthermore, he has succeeded in his 89 out of 124 headed duels and has also won 15 of his 20 induvidual take ons.

At just 21 right at this very moment, he has a great room for improvement, and a move to premier league would only make him stronger than ever. Samuel is a powerful defender and could well link up with his fellow countrymen Koscielny in near future. Arsenal might have to break the bank for his signature, but he will be a great signing for the team.

Aymeric Laporte-

The above mentioned figure is quite an unknown figure in the Europe, but the 21-year-old Frenchman is doing a great job at the Spanish side Athletic Bilbao. With a star studded league like La Liga, players like Laporte are always overshadowed.

He has made 26 appearances for the side season and has won 54% of his average duels. And with his 80% of passing accuracy, he can be a great buy for the London’s side next season. He has won 51 out of his 73 headed duels, and have succeeded in his 11 out of 18 individual take ons.

The 21-year-old also averaged 7 defensive actions per game. He might not be the tallest defender in Europe, but he has the style to compete against the strong strikers of the league. Laporte is one of the biggest young talents in the current scenario and he can give Arsenal a strong, solid presence at the back in the coming future.