Arsenal: 3 massive steps forward taken with Dayot Upamecano

2. He’s just that good

So you go and sign this guy, and you bring him into a crowded defense where he is going to be joined by William Saliba, who is a great, wide open opportunity. But he’s a wildcard. Then there is Calum Chambers, who has proven himself, but is only one man.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

Mavropanos and Holding will hope to prove something, but they will have to prove a lot. Like, a lot a lot.

Dayot Upamecano is the future and the present. He is a tremendous defender who cannot be questioned. This isn’t like signing Pablo Mari, or even Saliba. This isn’t taking a gamble or building for the future. This is fixing the defense now and for the long-term.

So ask yourself (not you, but the head honchos at Arsenal), how much this defense means to you. Are you willing to build it based on wildcards and hope or do you want, for the first time in ages, a sure-fire, undeniable talent that can anchor this defense for years to come?

For me, the answer is easy. Spend the money. Get the sure bet.

Finally, No. 1.