Arsenal tracking David Luiz centre-back replacement

There are over three months until the summer transfer window closes and while it is yet to open its doors to the baying public, Arsenal are making inroads in their plans for a squad overhaul. David Luiz is already leaving at the end of the season and Tosin Adarabioyo has been listed as a potential replacement.

How does one replace David Luiz? Securing a centre-back with outstanding leadership qualities, eye of the needle distribution, a penchant for conceding penalties and who likes to gift the opposition six points a season is a tall order.

Collectively, the Brazilian is near irreplaceable. A polarising figure, he nonetheless is unique in his skillset, both on the positive and negative aspects.

A new right centre-back can be sounded out though, and in terms of overall quality, an undoubted upgrade can be made.

Arsenal tracking David Luiz centre-back replacement with Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo being eyed in summer transfer window

The Athletic report that Mikel Arteta is looking at old friends in his pursuit for defensive reinforcements with the manager having worked closely with Tosin Adarabioyo from his days as Pepe Guardiola’s right-hand man at Manchester City.

Joining Fulham last October for a fee potentially rising to £2m, the Englishman ended an 18-year association after failing to fully establish himself the first team, with no such troubles arising in west London as he was directly brought into Scott Parker’s team upon his arrival.

From gameweek five he played nearly every minute of the Cottagers’ plight, a testament to his ability with Parker chopping and changing his side drastically after a rocky start. The 6ft 5in 23-year-old has largely escaped criticism despite the torrid campaign.

What does this say about the recruitment plan? Adarabioyo, for all his talent, is not the experienced body to assume Luiz’s role immediately. Calm and mature performances in the heart of defence won over supporters shortly after his arrival, yet as the missing piece in defence to help Arsenal surge up the Premier League table obvious reservations will be held.

Of course, his signing via an undisclosed release clause would fit the homegrown quota which will play a part in his signing, but it more strongly suggests that William Saliba will truly get his chance to compete in the first team.

This has already been revealed, but with talk of another player in his position being brought in, one who it would seem more directly replaces Luiz, his chances would have been tougher. While Adarabioyo, if signed, would also challenge Saliba and Rob Holding, the Frenchman is surely near the top of the pecking order in that department and scouting for a profile such as Adarabioyo and not an established name would indicate more faith in his ability.