Arsenal have already made some brash and hefty investments this summer, lashing out big money on both Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira.
They have also focused primarily on improving the midfield and attack. Perhaps they could muster up one final sum of money to complete their overhaul and add some much-needed depth to their defence.
The Gunners have long been linked with RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, however unfortunately for them so have several other Premier League clubs.
Competition is understandably fierce for this pacey giant with an eye for a pass, however, Arsenal are said to be leading the way after both Manchester United and Chelsea have recently secured new defensive signings.
If Mikel Arteta could manage to secure the signing of the man who will reportedly command around £80m, it would be a huge statement of intent as they look to make the step up to challenge the top four.
He would also greatly complement Gabriel, who could act as more of a stopper to the Croatian’s class.
The Leipzig brute featured 45 times last season in all competitions and was instrumental in his side’s fourth-place finish and DFB Pokal win.
Across the league campaign, his incredible consistency at the heart of the RB Leipzig defence earned him an average SofaScore rating of 7.10.
Arsenal would not suffer from some added rigidity and reliability at the back, as Benjamin White and Gabriel both suffered for form and fitness at different points in the season.
Gvardiol’s main attributes appear to be his speed, defensive awareness and passing ability. He seldom has to do any actual defending due to his pace and positional know-how, hence why he ranks in the 97th percentile for interceptions.
Once he gets the ball is when the danger really begins for the opposition, as he sits in the 97th percentile for progressive passes, the 99th percentile for dribbles completed and the 93rd percentile for shot-creating actions per 90.
This, compared to Gabriel, who stands at 6 foot 2 and averages 1.67 tackles and 3.44 clearances, Gvardiol could hopefully bring out the best in his defensive game too.
It is this all-round play that led to him being labelled a “tank”, and why he was seen as a “perfect replacement for Dayot Upamecano.”
The perfect modern-day defender, Arsenal should throw everything at this centre-back with all the attributes to go right to the very top. If they can latch on now, even for the astronomical price tag, they can reap the rewards well into the future.
AND, in other news: After Zinchenko: Arsenal in talks for “incredible” £34m deal, supporters will love it.
