Five alternatives for the Gunners to linked central defender Chris Smalling.
SEE MORE:
Arsenal Podolski sale sanctioned
Players who wrecked their careers at Chelsea
Czech Republic v Iceland live streaming and Euro 2016 qualifier preview
Reports in the media today are linking Arsenal with a £10 million January offer for England international central defender Chris Smalling from rivals Manchester United – although the Red Devils are likely to turn down the offer.
This could be a blessing in disguise for the Gunners, with plenty of potentially better options on the market for Arsene Wenger:
Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
Hummels is perhaps the most sought after central defender in Europe – but that is the kind of calibre that Arsenal need if they are to sort out their rickety back line. He would cost twice as much as Smalling, but could well prove to be worth it in the long run.
Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao)
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a January move for young French defender Aymeric Laporte, with the Athletic Bilbao man one of the finest emerging talents on European footballer – but pinning their stripes on another inexperienced option at the back would be a clear risk.
Ezequiel Garay (Zenit St. Petersburg)
It was a surprise when Andre Villas-Boas’ Russian outfit Zenit were the side to prise Garay away from Benfica this summer, but the Argentine remains a sought after option and would be an ideal signing for Arsenal, bringing both experience and class to any team.
Matija Nastasic (Manchester City)
Nastasic is very much on the fringes at the Etihad Stadium despite having impressed whenever he has been given a chance in the club’s sky blue shirt – reportedly available for as little as £5 million, Nastasic could prove to be a huge bargain for a club like Arsenal and has plenty of room for improvement.
Nicolas N’Koulou (Marseille)
N’Koulou is one of a number of vital Marseille players to be coming towards the end of their contracts at the Stade Velodrome and could be available at a knock-down price, but would the former Monaco man be willing to give up a shot at the Ligue 1 title under Marcelo Bielsa?