Arsenal The 3 ‘signings’ Gunners must make to fix defence

2. Stefan Posch

Of course, to improve your defence, you must improve your centre-backs. That much is extremely obvious. And while every man and his dog would like to see Arsenal sign Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig, in reality, they will struggle to both afford and attract him. Another option must be found.

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There might not be a more suitable target than Hoffenheim centre-back, Stefan Posch. He is 22, stands at 6-foot-2, is excellent in possession, and is a regular starter in a top-five European league.

This season, he averaged 3.57 tackles per 90, 2.98 blocks per 90, 1.43 interceptions per 90, and 4.94 clearances per 90, all of which are excellent figures for a centre-back. He produced 14.5 pressures per 90 and his team recovered the ball within five seconds on over a third of those.  He is active defensively, without being exposed.

Where he suits Arsenal is his passing. 80% passes completed, 62.1% completion rate on long passes, as well as 5.89 progressive passes per 90 and 3.21 passes into the final third per 90. He also plays 0.48 passes into the penalty area per 90. These are all excellent numbers, showing both the range and consistency of his distribution. Posch is both a ready-made plug-and-play centre-back and a long-term solution to the defence.