Arsenal’s vice-captain isn’t getting any younger and we’re rapidly approaching a time when a new defender may need to be signed to replace Per Mertesacker.
The BFG, as he is fondly known amongst Arsenal fans, has proved to be a shrewd acquisition since his arrival in 2013 and has been a commanding presence in the heart of the defence. A World Cup winner, he won’t be easy to replace.
Arsenal may dip into the market as early as January to try and find a long-term successor to Mertesacker’s spot but, given the talents of the established German international, they may find themselves in a sticky situation.
However, it’s something Arsenal must overcome and Jonathan Kaney has taken a look at five players Arsenal could bring in to partner Laurent Koscielny or Gabriel Paulista moving forward, in what we all hope will be a successful few years for Arsenal.
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Niklas Sule, 20, Hoffenheim
A great player for the future is 20-year-old Hoffenheim centre-back Niklas Sule, who is one of the most promising and complete young defenders in Europe. The German is built like a tank, and his aggressive, and powerful performances in the Bundesliga have seen his stock rise hugely over the past two seasons.
He has brains as well as brawn and is a dominant and composed defender despite his young age. He’s been linked with Dortmund, Bayern and the Gunners in the past for a fee of around £8m, but if he keeps performing the way he is that figure could rise significantly.
He will undoubtedly end up at a top club in the coming years, and would be a great signing for Arsenal to add some steel and fear factor to our back line for the future. He also would make up for the loss of height and power that Per’s absence would leave.
John Stones, 21, Everton
Another option to consider would be John Stones, who is arguably the most talented defensive prospect in England right now. The summer was dominated by Chelsea’s much-publicised chase of him and it was ultimately an embarrassment for them as Everton knocked back three bids of up to £35m. Stones wanted to leave, but with Chelsea’s nightmare form this season it’s worked out just as well.
They are unlikely to come back in for him after being made a fool of by the Everton board once before which leaves the door open for us. He may stay at the Toffees for a couple more seasons, but he would be a fantastic signing for Arsenal in the future.
Jose Maria Gimenez, 20, Atletico Madrid
The sale of Atletico stalwart Miranda to Inter has gone barely noticed in Madrid after the emergence of Uruguayan Jose Maria Gimenez. The 20-year-old has fast become one of the most highly rated centre-backs in Europe with his all-action displays and was thought to be subject of a failed £17.5m transfer bid from Man City last summer.
He would cost twice that figure now as a future star, but would be an excellent signing and a great potential partner for Koscielny or Gabriel. He doesn’t have the height that Per does, but he has a South American tenacity that makes it incredibly difficult to play against.
Samuel Umtiti, 21, Lyon
Umtiti has all the attributes and experience to replace Per, despite being just 21 years old. The highly-rated French youngster has made over 100 appearances for Lyon and been linked with a host of top clubs over the past two seasons.
He is another imposing and powerful defender who could fill Per’s shoes. We would have a battle on our hands with other top clubs for his signature and would have to pay big money for him, but he would be a fantastic signing for the future.
Benedict Howedes, 27, Schalke
27-year-old World Cup winner Benedict Howedes has signalled he could leave Shalke in January and would be a more experienced replacement than the younger options.
It’s believed the versatile German could be available for just €10m in January and Schalke may be tempted to sell him to get as high a fee as possible. He is another player who doesn’t have the height that Per does, but his versatility and solid defensive ability makes him a good option.