The Arsenal skipper Per Mertesacker announced recently that there are negotiations ongoing with the club for him to take up a non-playing role at the Emirates, something along the lines of business operations. After the high of winning the FA Cup, the German had conceded that he can no longer play three games a week and that he would not want to stand in the way of younger players getting opportunities.
So with BFG not expected to be in the first-team fold for next season, should Arsenal sign a replacement? Well, perhaps the most important factor to note here is that under the new system, the Gunners would need three central defenders on the pitch every game. Looking at the squad now, we have four specialised centre-backs in Koscielny, Gabriel, Mustafi and Holding, with Monreal and new signing Kolasinac also quite adept at moving to the centre should there be a necessity.
But considering our luck with injuries and the fact that the team will play even more games as a result of the Europa League, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to sign another central defender. While I do not believe that Arsenal need a world-beater of a centre-half to come in, perhaps a young prospect like Holding could be brought into the side and be given opportunities during games of lesser significance or when there’s an injury crisis.
Also, Wenger could decide to bring Calum Chambers, who had an impressive loan spell at Middlesbrough, back into the first-team fold. Or do you think Wenger will be bringing in a new top defender?
AT