Is This £8m Rated Defender The Perfect 3rd Choice For Arsenal If Vermaelen Leaves? Also A Manchester United Target

There have been rumors circulating around the UK press that Arsenal club captain Thomas Vermaelen might decide to leave the North London club in the summer. The Belgian has found playing time tough to come by this season, and hence, his decision to leave the Emirates Stadium after the World Cup should not come as a surprise.

The man who has been linked with a move to replace the departing Belgian is Freiberg’s young defender Matthias Ginter. According to Mirror’s Alan Nixon Arsenal and Manchester United are chasing the German youngster and Arsene Wenger leads the chase for the £8million man.

Here are three reasons why Arsenal should look towards the young German to replace Vermaelen.

Versatility

Just like Vermaelen, who is capable of playing in multiple positions, Ginter is also capable of fulfilling multiple roles. Even though Ginter has primarily played as a center-back throughout his formative years, he is capable of playing a holding role in midfield alike Alex Song, which might come in handy for Arsenal.

Ginter has played plenty of games as a holding midfielder for Freiburg this season, and hence, he would be more than capable of filling in for the likes of Mikel Arteta or Mathieu Flamini when required, something that Arsenal have struggled to do this season. Further, Ginter is natural in defense and so Wenger will not have to worry about putting him in the backline.

Aerial Ability

At 1.90m tall, Ginter possesses a great aerial threat which will serve Arsenal well. Arsenal have been vulnerable from set plays this season, and hence, the extra height that Ginter brings to the table will be more than welcome for Arsene Wenger.

In fact, this season, the 20-year-old German has been quite dominant in the air, even against other, more physically imposing opposition players. Ginter has 59% of his 134 headed duels in the Bundesliga this season in 25 appearances, and if he can keep up similar numbers for Arsenal in the Premier League, they will be more than happy.

Positioning Sense

One of the main reasons Ginter has been used as a defensive midfielder by Freiberg this season is his ability to read the game and get into good positions to snuff out attacks. This will certainly benefit him when he moves to the Premier League where the pace can be quite frantic at times, and attacking moves will have to be nipped in the bud to avert danger.

Ginter has completed 47 interceptions, 102 clearances and 12 blocks in his 25 league appearances this season, and the numbers point to his ability of reading the game. Further, add to that his passing accuracy of 86% for a relegation threatened Freiberg side, and you have an intelligent player who should fit in well at the Emirates.

 

Watch Matthias Ginter in action