Arsenal opinion: Three alternatives for Jerome Boateng

With Arsenal’s defensive issues are well informed, with the Gunners struggling to do much thanks to a leaky backline. They’ve conceded 51 goals, which is the second most amongst the top-ten sides in the Premier League this season.

It’s why despite the fact that the club scored 73 goals, the third highest total in the league, they finished 5th. The road was a tough one and it’s one of the many reasons why Arsenal are keen on a move for Jerome Boateng.

However, while the German is a solid option to have, he’s ageing and would be a little to expensive for Arsenal. It does leave the club with a small problem but given the vast array of defenders around the world, it’s one that can be solved.

Ben Godfrey

Linked with a move to Arsenal in recent times, the young Norwich City man has had a great season. Sure, it may have been in the Championship but Godfrey proved to be the cornerstone of manager Daniel Farke’s back-line.

Without his commanding presence at the back, things could have gotten a lot worse. Strong, tall and fast, the 22-year-old is just the man that Arsenal need to pair with either Sokratis or Laurent Koscielny.

The two mentioned Arsenal stars have been amongst the club’s best players and learning from them would only help Godfrey.

Djene Dakonam

A versatile player, Dakonam started off as a defensive midfielder before transitioning into a centre-back. However, the transition was absolutely seamless with him changing the course of Getafe’s backline with his mere presence.

It was wonderful to watch and his past as a midfielder helped make things even easier. A solid defender if there ever was, Dakonam isn’t the tallest centre-back in the world but more than makes up for it in other areas.

His intelligence and speed is rather impressive, with him also wiling to go above and beyond for the team. It’s that never say die attitude that will help Arsenal and it’s also why he’s their best option. He has been linked with the Gunners and has a £29.8m release clause.

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Samuel Umtiti

A superstar, Umtiti is amongst the best centre-backs in the world for a reason. Injuries have affected his career but only a few centre-backs can claim that they are better. His pace, agility, strength and intelligence are all second to none. 

Furthermore, his defensive acumen is outstanding which is why he plays for Barcelona. But with reports indicating that Arsenal are keen on a move, it should make things very interesting in the near future.

They need someone like Umtiti alongside Sokratis. He would be a brilliant replacement for Koscielny.