Continued defensive woes could force Arsenal into the transfer market

Dumped out of the FA Cup on Friday night thanks to their bitter rivals Manchester United, Arsenal’s defensive mishaps reared their ugly head once again.

Despite an abundance of attacking talent signed over the last few seasons including striking duo, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, recruitment at the other end of the pitch has been rather different.

The soft nature of the goals conceded against Manchester United, and indeed throughout the season, have highlighted the lack of improvement when out of possession under new manager Unai Emery.

During the Arsene Wenger era, many put the team’s openness and lack of solidity down to the Frenchmen’s philosophy. It was widely believed that Wenger did little to no defensive work on the training ground, almost seeing defending as an afterthought.

A swift counter attack results in Martial sealing the victory for United – www.standard.co.uk

However, the old habits are continuing to fail Arsenal in the big games. Even with Lucas Torreira, the holding midfielder supporters have so desperately craved, the backline’s soft outer shell is continually cracked against most attacking threats, often being exposed one against one.

This was epitomised for the third goal for Manchester United, where Paul Pogba seemingly had the freedom of the Emirates to drive with the ball and play a part in Anthony Martial providing the conclusive touch.

Just four clean sheets in the Premier League, with the likes of Cardiff having more, Emery has failed to get any consistency in selection in his backline, though injuries have played their part in that.

Now, with summer arrival Sokratis out till the end of February and Laurent Koscielny suffering a “bruised and swollen jaw,” both being picked up during the previous match, they join Rob Holding on the treatment table who is already sidelined for the rest of the campaign. With defensive options seemingly getting thinner and thinner by the week, Arsenal may have to rush back young defender Konstantinos Mavropanos, who has been out all season, sooner than expected.

Although the Gunners admitted the club could only afford loans, a defensive crisis could force Arsenal to go into the transfer market. So, what defensive options are out there for the Gunners?

Domagoj Vida:

The 29 year-old Croatian was keen on a move to the Emirates in the summer, only before it failed to materialise. A no-nonsense, dependable defender could be what Arsenal need.

Photo: goulburnpost.com

Gary Cahill:

Photo: Stadium Astro

Finding it hard to get any game-time for Chelsea, Gary Cahill is looking to secure a move away from Stamford Bridge. Despite reluctance from Arsenal supporters for his signature, Gary Cahill might be better than what Arsenal have at their disposal right now.

Aissa Mandi:

photo: Goal

Recent reports circulating suggest Unai Emery could make a move for Real Betis centre half, Aissa Mandi. A player he knows well from his time in La Liga, the 27 year old has a reported  release clause of 26 million Euros that could tempt the North London side.