2. Mats Hummels
Mats Hummels if often referred to as one of, if not the best centre-back in modern-day football. This if some achievement in itself, but what’s even more impressive is that he is just 25 – of course, most centre-backs don’t reach their prime until the age of 30. This makes Mats Hummels a top-class centre-back, and it is reported that he could be available for transfer this summer. What’s more, it is reported that Borussia Dortmund could be willing to part with the World Cup winner for as little as £16. When you think that is the fee Arsenal reportedly spent on Southampton youngster Calum Chambers, it would surely make no sense to refuse to sign one of the world’s best centre-backs for a similar fee. However, it seem unlikely that Dortmund would let him go for such a low price, so expect a bid in the region of £25m to be more likely to be accepted.
With the future of Thomas Vermaelen uncertain, and, other than him, only two first-team centre-backs being in the Arsenal squad, it is certainly a position in which the Gunners need to strengthen. Additionally, despite the impressive form of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny last season, it would be a mistake to suggest that either were as good a player as Hummels. What’s more, Hummels is 25, whereas both Mertesacker and Koscielny are approaching their 30s. As a result, it would be fair to say that Hummels would provide a more long-term fix to Arsenal’s centre-back position.
Finally, beating the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona to the signing of a world-class player would be yet another statement of intent from the Gunners, and truly re-establish them as a world footballing force once again. If Hummels is in any way available, Arsenal would be missing a trick by not attempting to sign the German.