5 Defenders Arsenal Can Sign In January

Arsenal’s lack of defensive cover has been exposed several times this season. No other match showed how thin the club is on the ground defensively than the match against Southampton in the Capital One Cup when Isaac Hayden was promoted to the Under-21 squad to pair Calum Chambers in central defence. Francis Coquelin played as a makeshift left back in that match though his was occasioned by the unavailability of Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal. However, the situation in central defence is critical. And Laurent Koscielny’s Achilles issues means there is need for a signing in that position.

We take a look at five central defenders that could be possible signings in January.

Matija Nastasic

The 21 year old Manchester City and Serbian defender is currently surplus to requirement at the Etihad Stadium following the arrivals of Martin Demichelis and Equilam Mangala in the last two summer transfer windows. He was given the green light to leave in the summer by Manuel Pellegrini, yet remained with the Citizens. His position has not changed much, and he is a possible candidate for a signing in January. His experience of playing in the Premier league is an added bonus.

Winston Reid

The 6ft 3in West Ham defender is out of contract next summer. And so far there are no indications that he would sign a new deal. He is another possible signing in defence. Although, there are doubts whether he possesses the attributes of passing and technique that Arsene Wenger appreciates in defenders. The 26 year old has been a stalwart of the Premier League since 2010 which counts as an advantage.

Rolando Jorge

The 6ft 2in Portuguese international centre half is currently finding game time hard to come by in Porto. He spent last season on loan with Inter Milan, and he could be available for a cut price deal or a loan deal in January. He has been linked to several Premier League clubs. And At 29, he is not expected to be a long term option.

Aymeric Laporte

The 20 year old French defender plies his trade with Athletic Bilbao. He was linked to Arsenal a couple of days ago, and he is considered one of the rising stars in the game. He has made over fifty league appearances for the Basque club. Although his £34 million buy out clause would be a stumbling block to a possible signing.

Chris Smalling

This is clearly a strange one because Manchester United are equally short of defenders. But the England international was linked to Arsenal in the summer. And Arsene Wenger tried to sign him when he was still with Fulham. There were reports in the summer that Arsenal wanted him as part of a deal that would have taken Thomas Vermaelen to Old Trafford. The fact he would not be cup tied in Europe is another advantage as a possible signing.