Arsenal opinion: Emery should make a move for Mateo Musacchio

Earlier in January, Calciomercato had reported that both Fulham and Watford were in the race for AC Milan star Mateo Musacchio. While no move materialised, Calciomercato has once again revealed that both the Premier League sides are back in the race for a summer move.

The centre-back’s contract with the San Siro side does expire in 2021 and that is why Milan might look to cash in next season, according to the Italian news outlet. For Arsenal, this is a move that they have to hijack.

Their defensive issues have been on display this season, with the club conceding a lot compared to the other big sides.

Things will get worse given the fact that both Laurent Koscienly and Nacho Monreal are 33 years old and won’t be getting any younger. While the latter is not the first-choice left-back anymore, Koscienly has played a big part this season after Rob Holding tore his ACL.

But no matter how much Arsenal fans may want it, the Frenchman won’t be able to do that every season after this. The sheer fact that he is 33 years old, meaning Arsenal need a replacement and few players come as experienced as Musacchio.

The 28-year-old is in the middle of his prime years as a centre-back and has been impeccably brilliant for the Rossoneri.

Musacchio arrived last season and he created a formidable partnership with Leonardo Bonucci. Under Gattuso though, he struggled at first to get into the team, only making it to the eleven once Bonucci returned to Juventus.

However, what makes him perfect for Arsenal is the fact that he is a ball-playing centre-half. Musacchio, like most modern centre-backs, is comfortable with the ball at his feet. His vision and ability to pick a pass are incredible, witnessed during his time with both Villarreal and AC Milan.

Furthermore, Musacchio’s defensive nuance means that Sokratis would get a great defensive partner. The 28-year-old is a solid defender with great positional awareness and reading of the game, allowing him to disrupt attacks.

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Conclusion

With Koscienly ageing, Unai Emery needs a new defender and it has to be a ball-playing one. The former Sevilla boss has made this Arsenal team play out from the back and that requires someone comfortable on the ball.

If nothing else, that personifies Mateo Musacchio and further emphasises why an Arsenal move needs to be made.