Why Nice's Malang Sarr is a perfect fit for Arsenal

Despite being one of the Premier League's best sides, Arsenal are defensively poor and their frailties at the back are clear for opponents to exploit.

Having conceded 39 goals this term, that tally is not good enough for a top-six side with their lofty aspirations. Unai Emery lacks a definite leader at the back, with the pairing of Sokratis, Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi not consistent enough to instil confidence in their teammates.

Naturally, this makes the north London side vulnerable and with Koscielny ageing, it's clear the Spaniard needs to sign a quality centre-back who can boost their title hopes over the coming years.

Mustafi's costly mistake this weekend typifies Arsenal's defensive problems

With speculation surrounding Arsenal owners not giving Emery enough money to spend, the Gunners' boss needs to fill in the centre-back role at an affordable price. Unwilling to provide Arsenal the type of money to sign Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly and Inter's Milan Skriniar, Emery must think smartly and making a move for Nice's talented youngster Malang Sarr would prove an excellent choice.

The Senegalese-born French international has been one of Ligue 1's best defenders this term and after enjoying a breakthrough campaign two years ago, will want to test himself against Europe's best sooner rather than later.

The 20-year-old is similar to Koulibaly - fast, agile and a hard tackler of the ball, he is calm in possession and capable of dribbling out through defence comfortably. With an excellent passing range, physical strength and Malang has emerged as a defensive leader despite Nice's inconsistent form this term.

Where would he play? What about the price?

At Arsenal, Sarr can pair alongside Sokratis or Rob Holding at centre-back. He's good enough to have a Virgil van Dijk-esque influence in north London and his presence will help improve the club's defensive woes.

Despite being a talented youngster and with other clubs monitoring his progress, it's entirely possible they could sign him for less than £50m - provided they do it soon before any other clubs make formal approaches and prompt a bidding war.

Barcelona are among the sides rumoured to be interested in Sarr's signature

A move to Arsenal could prove the perfect step in Sarr's development, helping him elevate his individual game to the next level while learning invaluable experience against some of the world's best attackers on a weekly basis in England's top-flight.

Learning from the likes of Sokratis and compatriot Koscielny, both of whom have experience aplenty at the highest level, will help him grow quickly and progress into the world-class talent his potential suggests he can be.