Arsene Wenger is already planning for life next season and is looking at a couple of players to improve the quality of the first team next season. He is looking to improve on a couple of positions in the squad and is desperate to add a defender to his lineup for the upcoming campaign. And recent reports suggest that they have stepped up their pursuit of Belgium U21 international Bjorn Engels.
Born and brought up in Kaprijke, Belgium, Engels started his youth career at Club Brugge, his current club. He started his career as an attacker but settled in as a central defender, turning into one of the best in his country. At just 22, he has already made more than 60 Jupiler League and is an exciting prospect for the future.
He has recently revealed that he is obsessed with the Premier League and is linked with a move to Everton constantly in recent times. However, Arsene Wenger has stepped up his interest in the player and wants to add him to his defensive line next season. But what will Engels add to the squad at the Emirates?
Standing at 6’ 4”, the Belgian defender is a beast at the back as he loves to dominate his opponents in his box. He is obviously strong in the air but also has a smart head on his shoulders, that allows him to stay a step ahead of the game in most times.
Having played as a striker, he has decent technique on the ball but he loves to keep it simple, making him a top-class defender. He has two goals and an assist to his name and his attributes make him a superb option for an English club.
The physical approach in the Premier League does not faze Engels and Wenger will hope that he can cement a place in the side in the long term.
Currently, Arsenal have the likes of Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi as the first choice centre-back partnership this season. Rob Holding has been used as a backup along with Gabriel Paulista when needed while Per Mertesacker has found it hard to even get on the bench.
That is a decent defensive lineup for Arsenal but Wenger might be looking to sell the tall German and will want a young, up and coming defender who can cement a place in the side in the future. The Arsenal squad was hit by injuries yet against this season and Wenger has not been able to stick to his best XI constantly.
So, he will be looking to add some depth to all his positions and Engels, who wants a move to the Premier League, could be a decent option for Arsenal in the squad. The Belgian has enough quality and if he can prove himself, he can easily become an integral part of the squad at the Emirates.
