According to a recent report by the French news outlet Le10 Sport (translated by The Daily Mail), Arsenal are eager to bring Watford defender Christian Kabasele to the Emirates Stadium during this winter transfer window. However, the same source has also mentioned that the Gunners will face fierce competition from Manchester United, West Ham United and Newcastle United in pursuit of the Hornets centre-back, who is expected to put pen to paper on a contract extension that will keep him at Vicarage Road until 2024.
Kabasele’s Rollercoaster Of A Season At Vicarage Road
The 26-year-old had to endure a frustrating start to the Premier League campaign as he initially struggled to hit top gear. However, since the appointment of Nigel Pearson as Watford’s new boss, Kabasele has seen a change in his fortunes as he has put in some impressive displays at the back for the Hornets over the past few weeks.
The Belgian talent has helped his side win four and draw one of their past five matches in the English top-flight, keeping three clean sheets along the way. Hence, it is no surprise that there is so much interest from other English clubs for his signature in January.
Kabasele has made 16 appearances for the Hertfordshire outfit this term and has two assists to his name on all fronts. He has averaged 1.9 tackles, 1.9 interceptions and 5.6 clearances per game in the English first division (stats via whoscored). The Watford sensation has also earned two senior caps for the Belgian national side thus far.
What Will The Belgian Defensive Ace Add To Arteta’s Team?
Kabasele is a deceptively quick centre-back who can make some well-timed tackles to win possession back for his team. The Belgian defender has been a vital member of Nigel Pearson’s backline and has made a few crucial last-ditch clearances for his team. He also has incredible upper-body strength that makes him a dominant presence in the air.
Recruiting a defender of Kabasele’s experience and skillset could prove to be a shrewd move for the Gunners this month. The Hornets star won’t be a big-name signing yet he has the potential to resolve some of the defensive issues that Arsenal has been facing this season.
Kabasele will not only add more solidity to the Gunners backline but will also improve Arteta’s squad depth at North London. Therefore, the Premier League giants should go all out in pursuit of his services this winter.
