3 Young centre-backs Arsenal should target in the summer

#3 Ruben Dias

Ruben Dias is the latest star to emerge from Benfica's famed academy and is coveted by many European powerhouses.

In an era where ball-playing centre backs are revered and considered indispensable commodities, tenacity and efficacy are two attributes which are considered passable and not given precedence.

Benfica's Ruben Dias coalesces both of the aforementioned qualities impeccably and is a throwback to the old school centre back who focuses on making his presence discernible to every attacker on the pitch. That's not to say he isn't capable of building from the back.

Quite often, the crowd at Estadio da Luz have witnessed the 21-year-old pinging accurate cross-field balls up to the attackers and have also applauded the academy stars willingness to carry the ball out of defence before instigating attacks.

A real leader on the pitch, Dias is the latest star to emerge from Benfica's famed academy and is tipped to reach the zenith of the footballing universe by coaches at the Lisbon club. Although, a bone of contention often associated with Dias is his aggressive and unforgiving in his approach.

The Portuguese starlet is often criticized for his overtly domineering presence and indecisive nature at times. However, at 21, it's obvious that Dias will mature and iron out these concerns as he keeps registering minutes under his belt whilst playing and training alongside accomplished individuals through the course of his career.

There was a bit of softness associated with Arsenal at the club in the final decade of Arsene Wenger's reign at the club. Emery's recruitment's in the summer indicate an attempt to abdicate that image and the acquisition of Dias will only aid the Spanish tactician in his endeavors of making Arsenal ruthless and resolute.

A whole host of European superpowers are believed to be queuing up to procure the services of the talented Portuguese and Arsenal will have to come up with a sizable package to prise Dias away from Lisbon.