According to a recent report by Calciomercato, Arsenal are lining up a €12m (£10.5m) move to secure the signature of Gremio centre-back Walter Kannemann this summer. The same source has revealed that the Gunners manager Unai Emery has made the Brazilian Serie A defensive ace his top target for the summer transfer window with the player eager to leave Gremio in this offseason.
Arsenal’s Defensive Problems This Season
The North London giants are currently preparing for the UEFA Europa League final where they will face off against Chelsea later this month. It is no secret that they have struggled defensively (especially away from home), so it is only logical for Emery to address his side’s defensive concerns by bringing in a capable defender ahead of the new season.
Kannemann’s Record In The Brazilian Serie A
Kannemann is quite an experienced centre-half who has played in 84 matches for Gremio since making a switch from Atlas in the summer of 2016. He also has three goals and one assist to his name during his time at the Arena do Grêmio.
More importantly, the Argentine talent has scored one goal in three league matches for Gremio this term, making an average of 3.0 tackles, 1.0 interception and 4.3 clearances per game thus far (Stats taken from Whoscored).
What Will The Argentine Defender Bring To The Emirates Stadium?
Kannemann boasts decent pace to recover in 1v1 situations when left isolated in his own half. He can also make some well-timed challenges and is a commanding presence who is aerially dominant at both ends of the pitch. However, the jury is still out on whether he will be able to prove his worth in European football.
The five-time Argentina international will undoubtedly improve Emery’s squad depth at the Emirates. However, he has not proven his worth at the highest level to merit a regular starting berth in the Premier League. The physical toll of English football would make it difficult for Kannemann to adapt to life in North London if he does end up sealing a move to Arsenal this summer.
Emery is better of recruiting other more proven defenders as Kannemann is still not ready to play in the English top-flight on a weekly basis. However, if the Gunners boss is only signing him to add depth to his squad, then it makes sense to opt for the experienced Argentine centre-back.
