Arsenal: Analysing the looming centre-back disaster

Arsenal’s centre back conundrum is yet to be solved with the start of the season nearing. Is there a disaster looming at the heart of the Gunners’ defence?

It’s no secret that Arsenal’s defence has been the team’s Achilles heel for what seems like an eternity. Fans have long pined for a solution, and they haven’t got one, yet.

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William Saliba’s imminent signing is progress, though the reported loan-back clause leaves the young Frenchman of no use for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, club captain Laurent Koscielny has recently shocked everyone by boycotting the pre-season tour of the United States, requesting to leave. Should his wish be granted, Unai Emery will be left with just four senior centre backs for 2019/2020.

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The addition of Sokratis last season was a definite improvement, forming an excellent partnership with Rob Holding, who is yet to fully recover from rupturing his ACL in December. But at the age of 31, the Greece international isn’t going to be a long-term fixture and cannot be relied upon to anchor the backline for more than the upcoming season.

Moreover, Shkodran Mustafi continues to infuriate fans with mistake-riddled performances. Many hoped he would be shipped out this summer. Nacho Monreal can also be deployed in central defence but is more effective in a back three. Emery has hinted in pre-season that he’d prefer to field a back four this year. Callum Chambers doesn’t seem to be in Emery’s first-team plans and could still leave, possibly in a part-exchange for transfer target Wilfried Zaha.

Options from the academy at centre-back are somewhat limited. Zach Medley has made a couple of impressive appearances in pre-season, while Kristian Bielik is looking to secure a move away from the club. Hot prospect Konstantinos Mavropanos seems to have fallen out of favour since Arsene Wenger’s departure and was riddled with injuries last season. And so, it’s quite possible Arsenal begin their domestic campaign against Newcastle with just two senior centre back options — Sokratis and Mustafi. This could prove disastrous.

With a reported budget of £45m, Arsenal may have to look to a free transfer for a short-term solution. Two notable free agents currently available are Thomas Vermaelen and Gary Cahill.

Former Gunner Vermaelen may have only made 53 appearances in an injury-plagued four seasons at the Nou Camp, but arguably he would be a better option than Mustafi, if he stays fit, of course. Cahill coudl also be seen as a good option having enjoyed a successful eight years at rivals Chelsea. Recent Premier League experience and a cleaner injury record makes him a potentially safer option than Vermaelen.

Both captains of former clubs, either player would inject a dose of much-needed leadership into the defence. They would offer Emery a viable short-term solution while ensuring Holding isn’t rushed back into action.

With just over two weeks until the transfer window shuts, Arsenal still have a lot of work left to do. The centre-back position is a major problem and they have very little resource with which to solve it. This could end very badly indeed.