Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has outlined his excitement over the impending arrival of French defender William Saliba to the Gunners’ first team, after suggesting that reinforcements at the back are vital.
Arsenal’s lack of defensive solidity has led to a negative goal difference in the Premier League and essentially the sacking of Unai Emery, who oversaw a winless run of seven games prior to his dismissal as Gunners boss last week.
Speaking on behalf of GentingBet to Football.london, Campbell highlighted Red Bull Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano as a potential target for the Gunners to pursue in January, while also looking forward to Saliba’s bow in an Arsenal shirt once his loan spell at Saint-Etienne elapses in the summer.
He said: “One hundred per cent [recruitment is needed in January].
“I have seen Dayot Upamecano play and he is big, strong, quick and aggressive – everything that our defence isn’t.
“He fits the bill perfectly and obviously they have got [William] Saliba coming next summer, who is a young, up-and-coming player. He is strong and aggressive too.
“Starting from a base with those two guys and you’re in business because they are a lot more powerful than what is already there and a lot younger. That way, Arsenal would be giving themselves a chance.”
With the arrival of youngster Saliba assured following his summer deal, it is perhaps little surprise that Campbell cannot wait for his former side to bolster their defensive ranks, which were suspect once again in their weekend draw at Norwich City.
Campbell seems to think that both Saliba and Upamecano would provide the foundations for success – and with the latter a regular for his side that that are flying high in the Bundesliga and the Champions League, there is every chance that Campbell may just be onto something.
Whether the Gunners will make a January approach for Upamecano remains to be seen, though Campbell’s high hopes for a player who is yet to make his Arsenal debut is perhaps a positive sign for the future of a defence that is failing at present.
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