Arsenal: Centre-back double dip means something must give

It is quite possible that Arsenal could double dip at the centre-half position this summer with Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Caglar Soyuncu. Something, therefore, must give.

Arsenal are readying to implement their summer plans. The new managerial structures have been put in place, the self-scouting has been undertaken, and the scouring of the market for potential recruits is proceeding. Yes, the transfer window truly is in full swing.

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And it seems as though the club has highlighted the position of centre-half as one that requires major surgery. There are few people that would deny the need for investment at the position, but if reports are to be believed, it is quite possible that the Gunners are set to double dip.

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The first player they are set to sign is Greek international and Borussia Dortmund centre-back Sokratis Papastathopolous. The deal, thought to be in the region of £16 million, is nearing completion and could be announced in the coming days.

But in addition to the 29-year-old, Arsenal are also reportedly looking at another Bundesliga centre-half, Freiburg’s Caglar Soyuncu. The 22-year-old confirmed the interest from the north London club in a recent interview, stating that negotiations would continue after the completion of the Turkish international camp — Soyuncu most recently featured in a 2-1 win against Iran on Monday night.

This deal seems far more distant than the Sokratis deal, but the fact that Soyuncu is talking about it publicly expresses an element of confidence in its ability to be completed. And if Arsenal do indeed double-dip at centre-half, as is seemingly possible, then it raises questions about the players that are already in the squad.

It’s not as if, with one addition, they would be short on numbers. Shkodran Mustafi, Calum Chambers, Rob Holding, Konstantinos Mavropanos, a returning Laurent Koscielny with an experienced and accomplished defender is more than enough in regards quantity. If any more was added, then it would be too much, stenting the development of the younger talents.

And so, this seeming quest to sign two centre-halves leaves me thinking that something has to give. Perhaps Mustafi will be sold to finance these deals and other deals at other positions. Perhaps Chambers is deemed surplus to requirements and sold. Perhaps Mavropanos or Holding or even both are sent out on loan to receive some invaluable first-team minutes.

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I am not quite sure what will happen at the centre-half position over the coming weeks and months and then into next season. But if two players are added, especially if one of which is as young as Soyuncu, then something must give with those that are already in north London.