Arsenal have started their campaign in fine form after emerging victorious in ten successive matches across all competitions. The Gunners have made a bright start to life under Unai Emery and are looking like a team capable of clinching a top 4 place at the end of this season. Most of their recent good work has been down to their attackers who have put in some dazzling displays during this campaign.
However, there are still question marks over Arsenal’s defence as the North London giants have conceded 11 goals in nine Premier League matches so far. Emery needs to recruit well in January if his side are to push on for a UEFA Champions League place in the latter stages of this campaign. Hence, bringing in a new defender should be his utmost priority as the Gunners look to compete for major trophies once again.
Here are three defenders Emery should consider recruiting when the winter transfer window opens in January.
Phil Jones
The Manchester United defender has hardly played under Jose Mourinho this season so the Gunners should try luring him to the Emirates Stadium in January. He has a lot of experience in the English top-flight and would undoubtedly bolster the Arsenal backline and add more competition for places within Emery’s squad.
James Tarkowski
The Burnley centre-half played a crucial part for Sean Dyche’s side last season when he put in a number of excellent displays to help the Clarets claim a strong 7th place finish in the top tier of England. He has begun this season quite well, making 14 appearances for the Lancashire outfit in all competitions and has two league goals to his name so far.
Tarkowski would be the perfect partner to play alongside Sokratis Papastathopoulos at the heart of the Gunners backline which could help the club strive for excellence in the coming years.
Matthijs de Ligt
The AFC Ajax wonderkid has put in some fabulous performances during this campaign. At the tender age of 19, the Dutch defensive ace has been a commanding presence at the back which indicates that he can be a world class centre-back at North London if given a chance to showcase his talents in the Premier League.
It is no secret that the Gunners need to improve their defensive record this season so the acquisition of the Dutch sensation would be a clever move by Emery if he can lure de Ligt to ply his trade at the Emirates Stadium.
