Arsenal are in sensational form, winning their last seven league games and 10 out of their last 11, however it is still set to be a ‘what if’ season for the Gunners as they were unable to sustain a realistic title challenge yet again.
After ending their long trophy drought last season in dramatic fashion, Arsene Wenger proceeded to flex the club’s new financial muscle and has spent over £100m since last May (via The Evening Standard).
The arrivals of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck boosted the club’s forward line and the feeling was that this would be the year where the Gunners attempt to reclaim their position at the summit of English football.
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A report in the Daily Mail suggested that the north London club were close to reaching the promise land, but needed to add three players in order to realistically achieve their aim, a defender, central midfielder and a striker.
Here are four defenders the Gunners should be looking to bring in this summer.
1. Neven Subotic – Borussia Dortmund
There maybe a clear-out at the Westfalenstadion this summer with the former Bundesliga champions set to miss out on Champions League football for the first time in four years.
Already struggling for finances, a huge bid from Arsenal for one of their most trusted lieutenants might too hard to turn down and Subotic is entering a crucial period in his career.
Per Mertesacker maybe waining and if so, a partnership of Subotic and Laurent Koscielny would compliment each other perfectly. The Serbian is said to be on Arsene Wenger’s radar (via The Telegraph).
2. Raphael Varane – Real Madrid
This deal may prove to be difficult, but there are noises coming out of Madrid that Varane is fed up of playing second-fiddle to the likes of Sergio Ramos and Pepe and may seek a move away (via Daily Star).
Varane is slightly similar to Koscienly, but given that Wenger is starting to favour a high pressing game with his back-line virtually on the half-way line, having a mobile pairing containing the aforementioned duo would be ideal.
3. Miranda – Atletico Madrid
The Brazilian has finally got the international recognition his talents deserve and starred in the recent friendly against Chile at the Emirates Stadium where the Arsenal fans could see his obvious quality first-hand.
The La Liga champions aren’t under any immediate pressure to sell, but the release clause present in every player’s contract in Spain makes it more feasible for clubs to pounce on their talent.
4. Benedict Howedes
Starred for Germany at full-back in the World Cup, but Schalke’s captain is a man-mountain in central defence and was linked with a move to Arsenal ahead of the January window (via Daily Mail).
Arsenal have a strong German contingent and Wenger may look to replace like-for-like with Howedes coming into the defence for Mertesacker.