Arsenal and Manchester United have both been linked with new defenders this month…
Reports in The Sun are claiming that Manchester United will target Paris Saint Germain centre back Marquinhos in the summer, despite being quoted a world-record £112m for the 20-year-old, who cost the French champions £26m from Roma in 2013.
SEE MORE:
The Three Centre Backs That Arsenal Manager Wenger Must Decide Between This Month
Premier League Giants Face Battle For Real Madrid Centre Backs Pepe And Raphael Varane
Five Centre Backs Arsenal Should Consider Instead Of Underwhelming Man United Star Smalling
Meanwhile, Arsenal are closing in on Gabriel Paulista, who plays for Villarreal – according to reports in the Telegraph. The Brazilian has impressed Gunners boss Arsene Wenger with his performances, although a January bid could be held up by work permit issues.
The pair are among the most impressive young centre backs currently starring in European football. In the list below, we rate the top ten up and coming defenders, all of whom are aged 25 or under:
10) Semih Kaya (Galatasaray)
The 23-year-old Turkish international made his Galatasaray debut back in 2009. He’s now approaching 100 league games and featured against Arsenal in the Champions League earlier this season.
9) Shkodran Mustafi (Valencia)
After making his international debut last year, the German was part of the World Cup winning squad in the summer. The former Everton academy player, 22, also moved to Valencia from Sampdoria to complete a busy couple of months.
8) Simon Kjaer (Lille)
The 25-year-old Dane joined the French side from Wolfsburg in 2013 and has since become a vital player for them. He made his international debut back in 2009 and has already racked up an impressive 46 caps.
7) Mateo Musacchio (Villarreal)
A two-time Argentine international, who made his first appearance back in 2011, has been with Villarreal since 2010. He’s already played 144 league games, despite being only 24, scoring four goals.
6) Aymen Abdennour (AS Monaco)
Joined Monaco from Toulouse in the summer, playing eight games so far. The Tunisian international, 25, has played 33 times for his country, impressed at the club on loan last season prior to making the deal permanent.
5) Inigo Martinez (Real Sociedad)
Won his first and so far only cap for Spain in 2013. Now playing under David Moyes, Martinez has played 110 league games for his club, since his debut in 2011. Still only 23 and a big prospect for the future.
4) Gabriel Paulista (Villarreal)
The 24-year-old joined from Vioria in 2013. The 24-year-old is yet to be capped for Brazil, but has seemingly done enough to convince Arsene Wenger to take a chance on him, as he seeks further defensive cover.
3) Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao)
Has been with Bilbao since 2010, making his first-team debut in 2012. He’s already made 66 league appearances and been capped ten times for the French under-21 team. Still just 20-years-old.
2) Marquinhos (Paris Saint Germain)
The 20-year-old is not a guaranteed starter at PSG, with Thiago Silva and David Luiz also among their ranks, but he’s definitely the big name for the future. The four-time Brazilian international is being watched closely by United.
1) Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Already a regular for club and country, with 17 caps for France to his name. He’s still only 21 and has already played 48 league games for the European Champions, scoring once since his move from Lens in 2011.
SEE ALSO: Manchester United transfer news