2 – Kalidou Koulibaly
Arsenal are said to be interested in bringing Napoli’s Senegal international Kalidou Koulibaly to the Emirates stadium this summer, although links have cooled in recent weeks, with Everton and Chelsea also interested.
Arsene Wenger knows he has to strengthen his choices at centre-back as has identified Koulibaly as a potential target as he looks to fix their depleted defensive options.
The North London club are looking for a perfect partner for their current central defender Laurent Koscielny after the likes of Per Mertesacker and Gabriel have struggled, Koulibaly is deemed the perfect partner as the Gunners looks to strengthen up at the back.
An absolute monster in Napoli’s defence, combining composure on the ball with un-matched physicality that enables him to shut down most strikers, Koulibaly has managed 2.15 tackles won per 90 minutes last season which shows the dominant force he is. The Barclays Premier League is arguably the toughest league in the world, aerial presence is key to play in defence and once again Koulibaly shows why he’s been one of the best defenders in Europe this season. He won 2.52 aerial duels per 90.
Koulibaly managed 62.86 forward passes per 90 minutes which is absolutely brilliant for a defender. Gabriel and Mertesacker are once again behind Koulibaly with 44.13 and the latter 41.50.
Koulibaly’s decision-making and ability to read the game could be better and often commits unnecessary fouls. This is a trait that can be rectified quickly though, and should not put off potentialinterested clubs.
Napoli are desperate to keep hold of their dominating defender, but, with the player already publicly stating his ambitions to leave, they will struggle to keep hold of him if Arsenal come calling, with Chelsea and Everton also interested.