Arsenal: Lichtsteiner or Benatia or Sokratis, but only one

Arsenal are being linked to three defenders, all in the “aged” category. Given the direction the club is headed, let’s pick one of the three, and no more.

I, like many others, am a bit baffled why at least half of Arsenal’s transfer links are to older, potentially over-the-hill defenders who have been around the block, are now fading, and are subsequently looking for another chance to cling to relevance at the top level.

When Ivan Gazidis said it was time to give youth a chance, I took him seriously. Our defense is riddled with youth products, all of whom have showcased superb talent at one time or another, yet it is on this same defensive line that we are looking at three older defenders, none of whom are exactly “game changers.”

I get it, this defense needs help. And signing a new player is one way to accomplish that task. I also get that veteran leadership is crucial, and with Per Mertesacker retiring and Laurent Koscielny injured long-term, it’s important to get someone in there who knows his way around back there.

But the keyword there is ‘someone,’ not ‘some people.’ Because You don’t need two or three brand new 30-somethings just to teach a bunch of youngsters how to defend.

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Especially when those youngsters have been doing a hell of a lot more defending lately than some of the guys we’re being linked to (*cough* Medhi Benatia *cough*).

I’m perfectly fine with the idea of Stephan Lichtsteiner. If he is still in fine enough physical form to spot Hector Bellerin from time to time and be a role model of sorts, that’s great. Plus he’s free, so there’s nothing to lose. But that takes care of the veteran leadership and the gap behind Bellerin where no one currently resides.

From there, the need for someone like Sokratis or Benatia is remarkably nonexistent. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – if we are going to sign someone on that back line, it has to be someone who is going to be a game-changer. Someone like Jerome Boateng.

If you can’t get him, why muddy the waters? We have talented centerbacks, it’s just a matter of figuring out how best to use them.

Next: 3 Things Stephan Lichtsteiner Would Bring

In conclusion – all we need from this list of ‘veterans’ is one. That’s it. Any more is a waste of resources. Any less is running an unnecessary risk. Two is one too many. Three is two too many. Choose wisely.

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