Arsenal opinion: Three alternatives to Joachim Andersen
The Metro has confirmed that Sampdoria are demanding that Arsenal offer more than the £43million that the Gunners are willing to fork over for their players. While the deal does include both Dennis Praet and Joachim Andersen, the latter is the player that Arsenal really needs.
Their defensive issues this season have been downright incredible, with them conceding 51 goals in the Premier League alone. That’s the second highest total amongst both the top-six and the top-nine clubs, with Arsenal falling down one spot amongst the top-ten sides.
It shows exactly what the club have lacked this season and why they need to look to add someone like Joachim Andersen. However, with the deal stalling and negotiations failing to progress any further than it already has, maybe it’s time Arsenal move on to other targets.
The Gunners do have other options to look towards and here are three potential names.
Kostas Manolas
Linked to Arsenal and now Manchester City, the 27-year-old is arguably the best option for Arsenal at the moment. If the move for Joachim Andersen doesn’t pan out for the club, the Greek centre-back is a great option.
His defensive nuance and confidence as a centre-back make him better than what Arsenal has. Not to mention, Manolas’ extensive Champions League and Serie A experience only add to his value.
Combine that with his speed, athleticism and history of remaining fit, will only help Arsenal. The Gunners need to move on from Laurent Koscielny, and if there is one man who can become a long-term replacement, it’s Kostas Manolas.
Ben Godfrey
An up and coming star, the Norwich City centre-back has shown that he has the ability to play for a top Premier League side in the near future. Cool, calm and composed with or without the ball, Godfrey has been an integral part of Norwich City’s plans this season.
He also happens to be very confident on the ball and loves surging forward despite being a centre-back by trade. Furthermore, the Norwich City centre-back has a brilliant passing range and combines that with his no-nonsense style of defending.
He finished the season having averaged 1.1 tackles, 3.5 clearances, and a rather impressive passing accuracy of 89.7% per game. It’s all of the above and the links to Arsenal that make him a great move for any side in the world, let alone Arsenal.
However, given that Norwich City did get promoted, European football might be the only advantage that Arsenal could offer Godfrey.
Mario Hermoso
An extremely talented defender, Hermoso is another enticing option for the Gunners. His transfer fee, ability on and off the ball and his age, make him a brilliant target for Arsenal, and despite being just 23 years old, he already has well over 100 appearances to his name.
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It’s a rather impressive statistic for any young 23-year-old but given Mario Hermoso’s talent, he’s ready to take things to the next level.
That means that he should move to an even better side in an even better league, which is exactly what Arsenal are. Adept with the ball, Hermoso is the personification of the modern centre-back.
He averaged an impressive 1.2 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 5.2 blocks and a passing accuracy of just under 84% last season. It’s why he would be perfect for Unai Emery’s system.