3 Answers to Arsenal’s defensive conundrum

#2. Medhi Benatia (Juventus)

Benatia would slot straight into Arsenal's team

Benatia shot to prominence in the 2013-14 season with Roma. However, he hasn’t been able to fulfil his vast potential since.

After stellar performances at Roma, he moved to Bayern Munich to take the next step up the ladder. However, he couldn’t really be the authoritative figure the Bavarians craved. Subsequently, he returned to the Serie A in 2016 with the Old Lady.

At Juventus, the Moroccan has found playing time hard to come by. While injuries have played their part, the Old Lady’s embarrassment of riches defensively has meant that Benatia has warmed the bench more often than not.

Even this term, he has made a grand total of five league appearances, thus, making him a perfect example of a criminally underused player. With the Moroccan unsettled, Arsenal could take advantage.

At 31 years of age, Benatia would want to be playing wherever he finds himself. An accomplished passer of the ball and strong in the challenge, the Moroccan would be a perfect fit for Emery’s Arsenal.

With Koscielny highly susceptible to injuries and Mustafi extremely error-prone, the arrival of Benatia would lend solidity to a defence that has leaked far too many goals this season.

Benatia would come significantly cheaper than Manolas and would represent a shorter fix. However, the Gunners are stretched to their limits defensively. Thus, a winter move for the Moroccan would make a lot of sense.

Now it is up to the Arsenal hierarchy to push the deal through.