Five centre-backs Arsenal must target this summer

Arsenal’s dire need for an established central defender is the going to become crucial during the summer transfer window. Laurent Koscielny needs a dependent, elite defender to partner up with. Gabriel is a promising talent, but if Arsenal wants to truly become title contenders once again in England, they will need to solidify their back line with some serious talent. With the summer transfer window growing near, Le Professeur will have to splash the cash on a central defender, and here are some options:

Benedikt Howedes (Schalke)

Currently skippering a sliding Schalke squad, Howedes could bring some leadership and experience to Arsenal’s defence. Coming off a World Cup win, Benedikt Howedes could partner up with Laurent Koscielny to form a veteran, solid back line for the Gunners. Although his age could be a concern, his credentials certainly put him in the conversation for possible transfer targets this summer for Arsenal.

Phil Jagielka (Everton)

Bringing in an experienced central defender with plenty of Premier League matches under his belt makes perfect sense. Phil Jagielka has proven himself as a top flight central defender in England, helping Everton into Europa League last year. Of course he probably won’t land at Anfield during the summer, but Man City could also be in the running for his signature – trying to replace Martin Demichelis.

Winston Reid (West Ham)

Winston Reid is ready to move to a bigger club – despite signing a new long term contract – and his consistent play at the back for the Hammers has shown Le Professeur that he is ready for a bigger club. Reid’s Premier League experience is huge when considering splashing the cash for his signature – an estimated £20M price tag. Talks about Winston Reid coming to the Emirates is starting to carry some weight, but will Arsene Wenger pull the trigger?

Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)

One of the best long term solutions to Arsenal’s shaky back line would definitely be Raphael Varane of Real Madrid. Varane, a French national player, is climbing the ranks in the world of football, predicted to be on the 2020 Team of The Year by many analysts. Varane is consistently performing for club and country – well, when Pepe is either hurt or suspended. Varane’s stature and physicality would help him adapt quickly to the style of play in England. All Gooners would be ecstatic to land such a talent!

Mats Hummels (Dortmund)

The most sought after central defender in every Premier League manager’s mind is German international Mats Hummels of Borussia Dortmund – who led Germany to a World Cup victory last summer and Dortmund to a Champions League final in 2013. Competing mainly with Manchester United for his signature, Arsenal are on this ice!