Arsenal: One transfer target from each Serie A club

Genoa

It feels a little strange picking a defender from the third-worst defense in Serie A. But I liken it to Arsenal loaning Calum Chambers to both Middlesbrough and Fulham. Both teams were doomed, but Chambers proved that he could withstand the siege and thrive in it. Those are some vital skills for a centerback to have and Cristian Romero now has them.

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At just 21-years-old, the Argentine centerback is showcasing some tremendous natural ability, not least of all because of his style of play. It isn’t exactly what Arteta has been looking for, but it’s an excellent complement to what this defense is shaping up to be.

Romero is a pass reader. He’s not reactive, but he’s not proactive. He lets play go the way it’s going and then stops it immediately. Which is a nice middle ground to have when you’re still experimenting with defensive philosophy.

Crucially, Romero is a great ball carrier already, he does play a tad aggressively, but again, that isn’t a detractor anymore. I never mind more aggression after years of passive play, nevermind passive defending.