Arsenal have managed to concede a total of 51 premier league goals this season. Much has been said about their defence this season by experts and fans. Shkodran Mustafi has been the one under most criticism this season as he made error after error. There is no doubt that Arsenal will be signing defenders this season. Arsenal are already looking to bid on defenders like William Saliba and Walter Kannemann. However, The Gunners still need experienced and world class defenders. So who else can Arsenal look for to bolster their defence?


Centre Backs

With Arsenal looking to offload Shkodran Mustafi, they will need to fill in that place with a world class centre back. So here are some of the options Arsenal have. 


Samuel Umtiti

The French international has been heavily linked with Arsenal. His 2018/2019 season with Barcelona was one to forget as there were lack of appearances and a bad run of form. However, Umtiti has the ability to make a difference in the defence if given the chance. 

Umtiti is very composed on the ball. He can pick out the right passes and can help start up attacks from the back. His aerial ability makes him a threat not only defensively but also offensively. Umtiti could settle in quickly considering he already has one of his former teammates in the squad already (Alexandre Lacazette)

According to claims in the Spanish Media, Barcelona might be ready to offload him for a price of £40m. 


Kostas Manolas

The Roma star has been linked with a lot of top clubs in the past month, with Arsenal being one of them, due to his release clause of only £36m!

Kostas Manolas joined Roma in 2014 for a fee of £15m. His first season with Roma helped build his reputation very quickly. 

His strength, pace and tackling have helped him be a integral part of Roma since his arrival. So has his marking, passing and aeriel ability. 

Manolas could fit right in the squad as he could link with his Greek team-mate Sokratis Papasthapoulos. 


Ibrahima Konate

Most people would now ask who is Konate? Well, Ibrahima Konate is a 19 year old French centre back who plays for the German side RB Leipzig. Konate was a crucial part of their first team plans this season and RB Leipzig ended up with the least goals in Bundesliga this season. 

Ibrahima Konate stands at a height of 6’3 which makes him an aerial threat. He is a very commanding and modern centre back. His pace can help him make recoveries if a ball is played past the defence. For a centre back, Konate is a really good dribbler. His dribbling success rate is just below 85%.

There is no doubt that Ibrahima Konate will cost Arsenal a bit too much. However, him being compared to the likes of Virgil Van Dijk shows that he is a talented player who could make a huge difference for Arsenal. 


Left backs

Arsenal will need to look for left backs too as Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac have been inconsistent this season. 


Ben Chilwell 

The Leicester City left back has been linked with Arsenal in the past few seasons. However, as Arsenal look to bring in a new left back, the Gunners could resurface their interest in him.

Ben Chilwell is a very competent player when on the ball. His dribbling makes him a threat going forward. Chilwell has the ability to create a lot of chances. 

Considering the fact that he just signed a new contract, Arsenal may have to splash the cash on Ben Chilwell. Nonetheless, it would be a great investment. 


Alex Grimaldo

Alejandro Grimaldo, aged 23, will definitely be looking to step up to the next level and make a move to the Premier League. 

Alex Grimaldo could not quite prove himself at the Camp Nou, but a move to Benfica helped change his career. He has attracted interest from a lot of top clubs. 

Arsenal and Manchester City are looking to make a move for him this summer. His crossing, creativity and work rate could help Arsenal for next season. 

According to transfermarkt, Alex Grimaldo has a value of about £28m. It could go up if a bidding war is to start between Arsenal and Man City