Arsenal’s search for a central-defender is currently undergoing a lot of scouting threads all over Europe and yet, Arsene Wenger might be fortunate enough to find one in nearby Manchester.
Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have been at the heart of heavy criticism after Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle United earlier this month. Club legend, Paul Scholes has attributed United’s poor showing in recent weeks due to their vulnerable defence.
It looks like Jose Mourinho is also fed up with the defensive duo and would like to offload them in order to bring in an improved talent in the summer. While Eric Baily’s absence has been a major blow for the Red Devils, Jones and Smalling have struggled to find their feet in their own half and it looks like they might have to find a different home for the 2018/19 campaign.
Arsenal are guilty of the similar problem with their current record of 26 conceded goals – the worst amongst the Premier League top six. While Laurent Koscielny has fallen to woeful depths Shkodran Mustafi has struggled to put in consistent displays on regular basis.
Arsene Wenger has adapted the back three formations in his side this season and has failed miserably. An away record of 13 points in 13 games will give you a picture of the club’s inability to stop their opponents from finding the back of the net.
One can only rely on their goalkeeper for so long as Petr Cech also crumbled against Swansea City and allowed the hosts to get the lead and win the match 3-1 on transfer deadline day. Arsenal could have been humiliated at Wembley as well with their rivals, Tottenham Hotspur running rampant with open chances on goal. Fortunately, Mauricio Pochettino’s men were too complacent to finish off the game for good and the match was held at just 1-0.
Buying a centre-half is one of Wenger’s prime concerns for the next season along with an out-and-out winger. The Frenchman has already bolstered the attack through the signings of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Calum Chambers and Rob Holding still need to develop into first-team football with most of their minutes coming on an irregular basis. Arsenal are also set to lose Per Mertesacker to retirement next season.
Jones’ biggest curse has been his injury history over the past few years. The 25-year-old held his own over the tough period on the sidelines and still managed to fight his way through the first team.
Maybe a move to a different club will finally unleash his potential and Wenger will be sure to provide him with the opportunity to do so at the Emirates.
