Arsenal: Jose Fonte – The Best Summer Option

Arsenal are in desperate need of a center half. One player who has not yet been linked with a move to the Emirates is Jose Fonte, someone who could well be the best option of the Summer altogether.

Arsenal are in desperate need of a center half. With the long time partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker coming towards the end of their successful tenure as Arsenal’s center halves, a long term and short term option is absolutely necessary this Summer.

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There have been plenty of rumors linking Arsenal to a variety of defenders this Summer, some more encouraging than others. Neven Subotic is a name that has been banded around, and while he certainly would be a good signing, he may not well be the best option that Arsenal could target.

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That honor belongs to Jose Fonte, someone who, while not being linked with a move to the Emirates, would be available if Arsenal were to come in for him. Certainly it would be difficult for Fonte to turn down a move to a club the size and profile of Arsenal, alongside the glamour of Champions League football, something that Southampton cannot offer.

Fonte, while already 32, offers a plug in and play quality player. He is not the long term option that Arsenal need this Summer, and that certainly lessens his value. However, he has been an essential part of one of the best Premier League defenses over the past three seasons, playing alongside Dejan Lovren, Toby Alderweireld and Virgil Van Dijk in consecutive seasons.

Being able to continually perform with a variety of partners proves the quality that Fonte possesses. He is aerially dominant, boasts great pace and is very composed on the ball. He would certainly fit well alongside Laurent Koscielny, both being aggressive in the tackle, liking to win the ball high up the field.

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Fonte would not have much resale value with his older age. Nonetheless, Arsenal do not need to turn down deals due to financial issues. They need to be proactive in bringing players in who can actively improve the squad. Fonte is exactly that player.