Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Juventus center back, Mehdi Benatia amid reports the Italian Champions are trying to revamp their defence with younger players, as per reports in Le10 Sport.
Benatia had a long spell at Bayern Munich before joining Juventus last summer. The Mirror are reporting the 31-year-old’s transfer price will be over £20m which will put a substantial dent in Unai Emery’s transfer budget.
The Moroccan international is known to be a powerful player who can distribute the ball very well. As well as this, the player is also known for fairly poor discipline and committing fouls often picking up 7 yellow cards in his last 9 games for Juventus.
Some fans believe this tough style of player is not a negative asset and is instead just what Arsenal need, bringing real strength into the side. Standing at 6’2 and scoring several headed goals per season, Benatia would definitely add an aerial threat that the Gunners have been lacking in recent seasons.
Considering Club Captain Per Mertesacker’s retirement and Laurent Koscielny’s long-term Achilles injury, the North London side may need some experienced players to come in to the team.
With the Club looking close to signing 34-year-old Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free move, it is believed that Arsenal’s Head of Recruitment Sven Mislintat is trying to bring in several defenders with huge amounts of experience to shape the new Arsenal defence.
As well as more senior players, 22-year-old center back Caglar Soyuncu confirmed Arsenal’s interest in the player and told the press that talks will take place very soon. The deal is reported to be worth £30m.
If Arsenal want to truly mount a serious title challenge this season, a complete defensive overhaul must take place. Conceding 51 goals last season in the Premier League is just not good enough, and will put the club straight back into the Europa League.
With new manager Unai Emery and new head of recruitment Sven Mislintat joining the side, fans are hopeful that all this change is leading to a positive season ahead.
