Arsenal have officially confirmed the transfer of Nicolas Pepe, which could turn out to be one of the biggest coups in the ongoing transfer window. They are also on the verge of agreeing a deal to sign Kieran Tierney. But, the Gunners are still yet to find a viable centre-back option to partner alongside Sokratis next season.
William Saliba was signed from St. Etienne earlier this month. However, the Frenchman will return to Ligue 1 on loan till the rest of the campaign, making it imperative for Unai Emery to sign at least another defender. And with just over one week left till the transfer window slams shut, we will discuss three Bundesliga centre-halves the Spaniard could target.
Ibrahima Konate
Konate is currently one of Bundesliga’s top defenders, having enjoyed immense success since joining RB Leipzig in 2017. He made his breakthrough in senior football during the backend of the 2017/18 campaign, and since then, the Frenchman has become an ever-present figure of the Leipzig backline.
Standing at 1.93m, Konate is a sturdy figure at the back, whose aggression and willingness to win back possession for his team makes him one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe. However, his most significant strength is his ability to play the ball out from the back.
Indeed, Konate has an excellent passing awareness, meaning he is capable of figuring out the best available passing option in a jiffy. Besides, the 20-year-old can also provide long cross-field passes, which becomes useful for any possession-based team.
Arsenal, in that regard, would be an ideal suitor for the ex-Sochaux starlet. If the Gunners provide him regular game-time, the youngster is bound to succeed alongside the sturdy figure of Sokratis. He is, however, likely to be the most expensive option on this list.
Matthias Ginter
Ginter has become one of the most consistent and ever-present defenders in the Bundesliga ever since leaving Borussia Dortmund. In fact, the German international has already made 66 competitive appearances for Borussia Moenchengladbach after joining them in 2017. His formidable defensive partnership with Nico Elvedi has helped the Foals rise among the elites of German football.
A product of the Freiburg youth academy, the 25-year-old is a versatile defender. Ginter, aside from his preferred centre-back role, can also feature as a defensive midfielder as well as a right-back. Much like Sokratis, he is a no-nonsense defender and can stick to his marker throughout the entirety of the ninety minutes.
Ginter has already proven himself at the highest level of football. And the 25-year-old could make an immediate impact at the Emirates – making him an ideal target for Arsenal. Unlike Konate, he won’t cost a fortune either.
Evan N’Dicka
Evan N’Dicka is a defender worth watching out for next season simply because of his promising debut campaign in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt. Indeed, the Frenchman, at the age of 19, made 27 appearances for the Eagles since joining them in a €5.5 million move from AJ Auxerre last summer.
Much like Konate, N’Dicka is an excellent passer of the ball. The youngster notably attained a pass completion rate of 79% during the 2018/19 campaign, which is extraordinary, given Frankfurt’s direct counter-attacking style of play. He also impressed the onlookers with his remarkable man-marking, bravery as well as commitment.
His performances with Frankfurt was enough to suggest that he is ready to play at the highest level of football. Hence, the 19-year-old could be an excellent option for Arsenal.
