2. Mehdi Benatia
Mehdi Benatia is a big Moroccan centre-back, who currently plays for Roma in Serie A. However, like Cuadrado, Benatia has had a world class season, and is expected to move onto one of Europe’s top clubs this summer. Often referred to as the second best centre-back in Serie A, behind the legendary Giorgio Chiellini, Benatia has played a key part in Roma’s successes this season, even weighing in with 5 goals himself. His physicality and pace make him a nightmare to get past for opposition attackers, and such attributes would no doubt make him a success in the Premier League.
Arsenal are in need of a centre-back, with Thomas Vermaelen expected to leave the Gunners this summer. Benatia would be the perfect replacement, as not only would he provide more strength in depth, but he would provide a genuine challenge to the starting spots of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker, something Vermaelen failed to do. In fact, Benatia would probably displace one or the other from their starting spots almost immediately. Benatia would no doubt be an expensive purchase, but would once again allow Arsenal to flex their new-found financial muscles, and prove to the world that the old Gunners are back.
With pace, power and an excellent reading of the game, Mehdi Benatia is the perfect Thomas Vermaelen replacement for Arsenal this summer. Use the page numbers below to see the other 4 players.