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Arsenal signing this 6ft 2in teenage sensation would be a terrific step towards the future – a perfect Koscielny replacement

Arsenal opinion: Alessandro Bastoni would be a good Koscielny replacement

While Arsenal do have their fair share of issues, manager Unai Emery has still managed to somehow get the team back into the race for the top four. The former Sevilla boss has worked wonders with the squad he has at his disposal, and given the ageing defence, that’s an even bigger surprise.

The likes of Laurent Koscielny, Stephan Lichtsteiner and even Nacho Monreal among others, have played big roles despite the fact that they are all above 32.

This showcases the problem that Arsenal have and given their meagre transfer budget (Mirror), it’s not something that can be solved by throwing money at it.

However, that being said, the club needs a new centre-back at the very least to pair their new colossus Sokratis. The 30-year-old has been really good for Arsenal since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund and is one of the key reasons why Emery has managed to solidify his back-line.

Image result for Alessandro Bastoni

Injuries have played a big part, with the club losing Hector Bellerin and Rob Holding to long-term injuries. That being said, one man the club must target is Inter Milan starlet Alessandro Bastoni.

A 19-year-old, the Italian is currently contracted to Inter Milan but is on loan at Parma where he was in incredible form before an injury halted his progress. The perfect defender by anyone’s standards, despite being a teenager, Bastoni has the attributes of a modern defender.

Not only is he an elegant, complete and dominant centre-back but he combines that with the best of the old school and the modern art of defending.

Comfortable with the ball at his feet, Alessandro Bastoni combines strength and technique with a stunning passing range that has been on display even before the Inter Milan move.

That makes him the perfect man to lead Arsenal’s back-line for decades. He can match Sokratis for pace and agility. While his positioning and tactical awareness do need to be tweaked a little, that will come as he grows older and gains more experience.

Image result for Alessandro Bastoni

But even without that, the 19-year-old is the perfect long-term replacement for Laurent Koscienly. Furthermore, at 6’2” Alessandro Bastoni is a proven aerial threat which makes him dangerous at both ends, as witnessed by the fact that he’s scored 12 goals in 81 career appearances.

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Conclusion

Arsenal need an affordable centre-back and while the options available might not be the best, adding someone like Alessandro Bastoni will help them move forward.

Not only will the Italian be a long-term option, but he will also be someone who can lead them into a brighter future and be Laurent Koscienly’s long-term replacement.