Arsenal’s squad is filled with quality, and over the summer Unai Emery was afforded a number of upgrades as he looked to grow his team squad. He did a great job, with a handful of fantastic talents coming in, including Lucas Torreira.
Despite the improvements, though, further growth is still required.
Arsenal have done well this year, but one thing is clear, they haven’t been good enough at the back. They’ve shipped goals practically every week, and that can’t be allowed to continue.
If the Ivorian were to come, he’d find a significant role in the Arsenal defence.
Whilst Nacho Monreal isn’t a youngster anymore, the Spaniard is ageing like a fine wine. He’s not a long-term option, but in terms of the next season or two, the Spaniard is just what Arsenal need. He’s an incredibly consistent and solid left-back, rarely putting a foot wrong despite his partners at the back suffering numerous breaks in form. A perfectly balanced defender, he’s no Benjamin Mendy, but he offers a decent threat going forward and good quality at the back.
Sokratis only joined over the summer, but he’s already made a good start to life in England. The former Borussia Dortmund man has, like Monreal, been a consistent force at the back – even if he hasn’t done anything spectacular. He has, however, done everything that Arsenal wanted. He’s been solid, he’s been robust and he’s been a leader.
Though he hasn’t been a regular at Old Trafford, take nothing away from Eric Bailly: he’s a tremendous player. The Ivorian was one of the stars of the Premier League when he first moved to the club, and whilst he’s yet to hit those heights again, he’s certainly got the talents. Strong in the air, comfortable with the ball at his feet and quick, Bailly would add some genuine quality to this defence.
Hector Bellerin has improved this season, but he’s still got a lot of improving to do. The Spaniard just lacks the defensive ability to be able to be a star in this defence. Going forward, he’s incredibly useful, but he has a lot of work to do at the back to keep Arsenal from conceding. Sometimes caught out of position and lacking awareness, he’s been far from exemplary this term. That said, you can’t take away from his talent.
If Arsenal are able to land Bailly and get him back to his best, they’d finally find the missing piece for Unai Emery’s defence.
Thoughts?
