Arsenal should target these two centre backs instead of Mustafi

Arsenal should target these two centre backs to solidify their backline

Arsenal’s defense looked like a disaster in their 4-3 opening weekend loss to Liverpool. It’s pretty clear the Gunners need to buy centre back reinforcements if they want any chance at winning the Premier League title. Purchasing these two defenders would be an excellent step in the right direction.

Depending on who you believe, Arsenal are either poised to sign Shkodran Mustafi or Valencia refuse to sell him. As a result of the confusing nature of that transfer saga, Arsenal should start to seriously consider other targets.

Fortunately, there are several really solid centre backs that appear to be available at the current point in time. In particular, Arsene Wenger should be lining up bids for Southampton defender Jose Fonte and Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane as soon as possible.

More from Playing for 90

First, let’s take a look at the rock-sold Premier League defender. Fonte is already familiar with the Premier League after his time at Southampton and wouldn’t need any real transition time to become an effective Arsenal player.

Fonte also has the added benefit of being a pretty reasonable acquisition in terms of cost. The Saints aren’t going to give him away, but they also aren’t in a position to turn down a serious offer from the Gunners. You’d have to imagine that a fee of somewhere around 15 million pounds would be enough to seal the deal.

Fonte may not be the sexy purchase Arsenal fans crave, but he’s the effective buy the team needs. If Gunners fans want a sexier option, they can turn to Varane.

The Real Madrid defender would cost a lot more than Fonte, but has a much higher ceiling as well. He’s struggled to cement a starting spot under Zinedine Zidane, which reportedly has him looking for a move this summer. The La Liga giants would force Arsenal to pay a premium for him, but wouldn’t stand in the way of a move.

The French international might need a little more time to adjust than Fonte, but Arsenal would represent a pretty easy transition for him. His move would be made much simpler with the presence of a French manager and several countrymen with the North London club.