Five centre backs who could solve Arsenal's defensive worries

29 July 2016 03:39

By now it is becoming a cliche to talk about Arsenal's lack of transfer activity, however Arsene Wenger has seemingly been forced to take action following the knee injury that Per Mertesacker. The Gunners currently have only two fit centre backs in line to start the Premier League season.

Rumours out of the Arsenal camp have suggested that Francis Coquelin has been played out of position to fill that centre back role. The problem with this is that Coquelin himself also injury prone and personally I'm not convinced he can do a job there.

This means that Arsene Wenger has been put under even more pressure to add to his squad so here are just a few picks that would fit right into the Gunners side.

Shkodran Mustafi - Valencia

The German international is the overwhelming favourite to join Arsenal after the North London side reportedly made contact with the Valencia over his availability. Mustafi actually graduated from Everton's youth academy after turning down offers from Manchester City and Newcastle in 2009.

In his three years at Goodison Park he only made one appearance and also made it onto the bench a further nine times. Valencia signed Mustafi from Italian side Sampdoria for £6 million and are now looking for £25 million for him.

Nikola Maksimovic - Torino

The 24-year-old has been heavily been linked with a move away from Serie A side Torino this summer. Chelsea are the latest side to be linked with Maksimovic Serbia international but I think he would be better suited to Arsenal. Although not blessed with pace be is good on the ball and can pass it out from the back with ease.

Kalidou Koulibaly - Napoli

A versatile player that can play across the entire back four, Koulibaly is yet another centre back linked with Chelsea and also Everton. The Senegal international has impressed in Italy since joining Napoli in 2014 from Belgian side Genk. Valued at around £40 Million, he comes at a high price but with other Premier League clubs willing to pay that kind of money for him, he must be worth it.

Kostas Manolas - Roma

Serie A has arguably the best cohort of centre backs in the world and Kostas Manolas is no exception from that list. The Greek international has also been heavily linked with a move away from Italy. The 25-year-old may not be great on the ball but if a tough tackler who is great in the air - a perfect replacement for Mertesacker.

Steven Caulker - Queen's Park Rangers

If Arsene Wenger is looking for more of a squad rotation player to put in until Mertesacker recovers then Steven Caulker might be the answer. The England international as had a tough time of it after leaving Spurs in 2013. He suffered back to back relegation with Cardiff and QPR. Last season Caulker had two separate loan spell at Southampton and Liverpool, even player at striker for Jurgen Klopp's side.

Caulker is not afraid to stick his neck out on the line and can also get onto the scoresheet. He might be just what Arsenal need right now.

Source: DSG