Arsenal boss wants world-class central defender during summer transfer window

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Arsenal boss Unai Emery has told the club’s hierarchy that he wants to go into next season with a world-class central defender at his disposal.

The Sun are reporting that Harry Maguire of Leicester, Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma, Toby Alderweireld from Spurs and Getafe’s Djene Dakonam are on Emery’s radar.

The Gunners have been woefully inept at the back this season and as a result, the boss has clearly identified it as an area of concern.

Remarkably the North London-based outfit could still qualify for the Champions League through a top-four finish. They will need to improve on recent defeats to Crystal Palace, Wolves and Leicester, however.

The summer is likely to be a busy one for Arsenal. Following Emery’s arrival last year minor adjustments were made to the squad. The next transfer window should see more substantial changes though.

The Daily Mail reported in February that Arsenal’s budget will be set at £45 million. Champions League qualification could change that and Emery will need considerably more if he is to attract the world-class central defender he craves.

TBR Verdict

It will come as little surprise that Emery wants to secure the services of a top central defender this summer. If the Gunners do come up short in their quest to reach the Champions League it will be down in no small part to the defence.

Some of the linked names aren’t overly exciting, however.

Maguire boasts real class but Leicester will want a hefty sum. Alderweireld is quality too but will he really leave Spurs for the Emirates?

Zouma is steady but does he really constitute world-class? Dakonam from Getafe has never played in the Premier League before.

It has been far too long since the Gunners challenged for major honours and Emery knows he must get his transfer business spot on this summer.