Arsenal were in need of a solid center-back after the end of the previous campaign, which once again saw them struggle in all major competitions, when it mattered the most. Arsene Wenger failed to deliver once again and his side ended yet another trophyless campaign. Though the Gunners finished in second place in the points table in the Premier League, they failed to put up a challenge for the title, as Leicester finished with a 10 point lead.
Further, the north London outfit failed to impress in the Champions League and other cup competitions once again and it was the same old story. This highlighted the fact that the French manager was in need of high quality reinforcements not just up front, but at the back as well.
The English giants did sign Gabriel at the start of 2015, in order to support Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny and eventually replace the German defender in the distant future. Despite that, the former Villarreal man failed to impress overall and the aging Mertesacker was not that elegant in the previous campaign as well.
It was only the 30-year-old France international who was impressive enough to be the first choice center-back, though a few injuries in between did hamper his form.
Also, it was recently confirmed that Mertesacker picked up a knee injury which could keep him out of action for the next five months. With that said and done, here are three options for Wenger to sign in the upcoming days to resolve this problem, if he is serious about challenging for titles in the upcoming days:
3. Diego Godin: (Atletico Madrid)
As the north Londoners look to fortify their defence, they should try to sign one of Chelsea’s previous targets Diego Godin, whom the Blues considered a future replacement for skipper John Terry. The 30 year old Uruguay international has been solid for La Liga giants Atletico Madrid and can be an asset for the Gunners, if he moves to the Emirates this summer. He is a strong center-back, who can fortify Wenger’s back-line if the move does indeed happen, though Arsenal would have to spend big in order to push through a move for a well settled star.
2. Kalidou Koulibaly: (Napoli)
The Serie A giants are looking to cash in on their defensive superstar with Arsenal being given the chance to sign the player for a fee of £37m, amid interest from their domestic rivals Chelsea and Everton. The star is just 25 years old and could be one for the future, if Wenger can bring him to England. Both the north London club’s rivals are keen on a move, though the fact that the Gunners can offer him Champions League football might urge him to join them instead.
1. John Stones: (Everton)
Though the 22 year old England international did not look at his best last season, he is a very talented defender and was previously a Chelsea target and is now wanted by Manchester City, who are ready to pay a fee of £50m to sign him. Wenger should seriously consider signing him, as he will be the perfect partner for Koscielny and has a bright future in front of him. The defender can further grow under Wenger, if nurtured properly and looks very calm and composed on the ball and is highly skillful as well.