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Arsenal would have a winning combination at hand by signing this sturdy 27-year-old defender

Why Robert Arboleda could be a fantastic signing for Arsenal

According to a report from Football London, Arsenal had made an approach for Sao Paulo defender Robert Arboleda during the summer transfer window. No deal materialised, although the report claims that Sao Paulo are still open to selling the 27-year-old in the near future.

Arsenal appear to be even weaker defensively this season than they were last season, despite the club bringing in defensive reinforcements in form of David Luiz and Kieran Tierney.

This is, in part, due to letting their two best defenders of the last decade, Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal, leave during the summer.

The Gunners were woeful at the back against Watford, throwing away a two-goal lead to draw and really should have lost had Abdoulaye Doucoure not missed a gilt-edged opportunity.

Unai Emery’s side were again punished by Aston Villa last weekend but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang bailed them out.

The current crop of first and second-choice defenders are simply not good enough to help Arsenal break into the top four this season.

It remains a big surprise as to why Emery didn’t more to try and shore up his team at the back.

William Saliba will not join Arsenal officially until next season, meaning the Spanish tactician must address his defence in January to enjoy a strong 2019/20 campaign. And reviving interest in Robert Arboleda will be a smart idea.

Arboleda, 27, has been a consistent defender for Sao Paulo ever since joining from Universidad Catolica in 2017. The Serie A in Brazil has started and he has already made 13 appearances for his club.

Standing at 6ft 2in tall, the Colombian is a solid, no-nonsense, hardworking and reliable defender who can work his magic in the air as well, making him an asset during set-piece situations.

He is very strong in the air, can make crucial interceptions and tackles for his team and is decent with the ball at his feet.

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The biggest asset of Arboleda’s game is his strength and aerial ability, which helps him compete with the physically imposing forwards.

To add, the 27-year-old has the attributes to thrive in the Premier League. He could be a very good addition to the Arsenal side which has been defensively all over the place this season.

Verdict

Thus, the Gunners must not hesitate to make a move for Arboleda when the transfer window reopens in January.