Arsenal: 3 cheaper replacements to Dayot Upamecano

Arsenal need a new centre-half. Dayot Upamecano would be ideal, but he might be out of the team’s price range. Here, then, are three cheaper replacements.

When the transfer window opens, Arsenal will be in the market for a centre-back. The name on everyone’s lips is Dayot Upamecano, who would be a terrific signing as the new leader of the defence. In reality, the RB Leipzig man will be out of the Gunners’ price range. And with a whole host of other clubs interested, he will likely have better offers on the table. So who could Arsenal target instead of Upamecano?

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Well, here are three cheaper alternatives that the club should consider in the next transfer window.

3. Evan Ndicka

In William Saliba, Arsenal signed a young French defender on a cheaper deal than normal because they were willing to take a risk on him a year before he might breakout. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Evan Ndicka would represent a very similar approach. He turns 21 in the summer, could cost as little as £20 million, and is still making his way as a first-team player — he made 14 Bundesliga starts this season, including 14 of the last 16. But there is serious talent to work with.

Ndicka is left-footed and has played as a left-sided centre-back in a back three or at left-back. Standing at 6-foot-3 and winning 60.8% of his 3.72 aerial duels per 90, he translates better at centre-back.

Ndicka is an aggressive defender. He completes 17.6 pressures per 90 of which 7.81 come in the middle third. He averages 1.53 interceptions per 90 and 1.9 tackles per 90. Of those 1.9, 0.88 come in the middle third, more than in the defensive third, again showing his comfort at stepping forwards.

In possession, Ndicka is also positive. He plays 5.11 progressive passes per 90 and 2.99 passes into the final third. He miscontrols the ball only 0.58 times per 90 and completes over two-thirds of 1.82 dribbles per 90. There is lots to like.

There is just one major issue: experience. Ndicka has only been a regular first-team player for two years. He made 27 league appearances last year at 19 and is on course to match a similar tally this season, though many have come at left-back. Can you rely on a 21-year-old and 19-year-old to anchor your defence? Both Saliba and Ndicka are hugely talented, but that seems like a risk too far.