Arsenal: James Tarkowski only blocks, not bolsters

Arsenal are being linked with a move for Burnley defender James Tarkowski. But the 25-year-old, while an astute addition, only blocks the progress the others at the club, rather than bolstering the options available.

Arsenal need to find a future at centre-half. Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker have anchored the defence since they were signed in 2010 and 2011 respectively. But both are now the wrong side of 30, Mertesacker is retiring at the end of the year, and Koscielny is beginning to show signs of his age with his bum Achilles ostensibly restricting his natural athleticism and sharpness, something that has been integral to his game for many years.

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It is something, if the recent transfer rumours are to be believed, that Arsene Wenger is aware of. Per a report in The Times, the Gunners, along with several other Premier League clubs including Manchester City, are keeping a close eye on Burnley defender James Tarkowski, with a view to either a January or summer move.

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Now, I have no idea if these reports are true or not. Arsenal have been linked with players of Tarkowski’s ilk in the past: Jonny Evans, Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka. But they have never signed an experienced, accomplished, if a little agricultural, British centre-half in the past. Tarkowski, though, is the type of player that Wenger should be pursuing. He is 25, just entering the prime of his career, and in the midst of an excellent season.

No player in the Premier League has made more blocks, interceptions and clearances than Tarkowksi. He ranks 26th in the league for interceptions, second in clearances, and first in blocked shots. Now, defensive statistics are limited in their depiction of a player’s ability. Paulo Maldini famously stated that if he had to make a tackle, then he had an already made a mistake. And to an extent he is correct. But having watched Tarkowksi extensively this season, he passes the eye test, as well as having the statistics to support his play. He would be a very sound addition to the squad. And yet, oddly enough, he is exactly what is not needed.

You see, just because Wenger needs to find a future for the centre-half position, that does not mean that he has to look outside of his current squad. In fact, he has two very promising options right under his nose.

Playing alongside each other against BATE Borisov and West Ham United, Calum Chambers and Rob Holding have allowed just twelve shots and two shots on target. Against West Ham particularly, there was just one shot in the whole game. It came from a long-range free-kick and was lashed well wide of the goal.

Chambers and Holding are both 22 years of age. They are both talented, calm, composed, intelligent defenders. They both have experience of English football, having either played extensively on loan or prior to joining. They both have a very bright future, with the right investment and development. But they are entering the crucial stage of their career: the breaking into the first-team. Adding another good, if not great, defender into the mix helps neither of them. It only blocks their progress.

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I would, therefore, be hesitant to see Arsenal sign a player like Tarkowski. I would much rather Wenger commit to Holding, Chambers or both as the future of his defence before he enters the transfer market. Their talent is deserving of that much alone.