Arsenal linked with defensive chief in Premier League metrics
Seek for Defensive Depth Begins
Arsenal’s defensive solidity this season has been nothing in need of elite. With simply 27 objectives conceded – the very best within the Premier League – Mikel Arteta’s again line is rightly lauded. However as any prime membership is aware of, true success lies in sustaining excellence throughout all fronts. That’s the reason, as reported by , Arsenal are eyeing Brentford’s Nathan Collins as a real candidate to bolster their central defence.
Photograph: IMAGO
“Arsenal are massively impressed with a centre-back who locations within the prime three of 4 key defensive metrics this season,” the report states, underlining the statistical basis for his or her curiosity.
Collins Main by Numbers
At simply 23 years outdated, Nathan Collins is already one thing of a Premier League veteran, with spells at Burnley, Wolves and now Brentford. His consistency and sturdiness – having performed each single minute this season – are uncommon in fashionable soccer.
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What stands out much more is his statistical dominance. Collins at the moment leads the Premier League in blocks with 48, ranks second in headed clearances (115), and third in each whole clearances (187) and aerial duels received (101). He’s outperformed all however Dan Burn and Virgil van Dijk within the air, which locations him in elite firm.
Photograph: IMAGO
Arsenal’s Summer time Puzzle
Whereas Arsenal’s present centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães is amongst Europe’s most interesting, the pursuit of Collins suggests a shift from reactive squad constructing to proactive depth planning. With Dean Huijsen additionally on the membership’s radar, the Gunners are clearly targeted on future-proofing their defence.
Photograph IMAGO
Nonetheless, Brentford received’t be simply persuaded. With Collins contracted till 2029 and the membership holding an choice to increase for 2 extra seasons, any charge would possible surpass the £50m benchmark talked about for Huijsen.
Defensive Evolution Underneath Arteta
This potential transfer alerts that Arsenal are constructing with sustained home and European dominance in thoughts. Gone are the times of plugging gaps; that is about securing world-class depth and competitors – the hallmarks of recent trophy-winning machines.
Our View – EPL Index Evaluation
Right here’s the factor: Nathan Collins is sweet. There’s no arguing with the numbers. However is he Arsenal-good?
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Sure, he’s performed each minute for Brentford and sure, his metrics are robust. However there’s a cause the likes of Wolves and Burnley let him go with out a lot resistance. Is that basically the calibre Arsenal are chasing when making an attempt to compete with Manchester Metropolis and Actual Madrid within the Champions League?
If the objective is rotation and depth, high-quality. However not at £50m or extra. That type of cash ought to go in the direction of real starters, not a participant whose major declare to fame is main the league in clearances as a result of his group are underneath fixed stress.
The Huijsen hyperlink makes extra sense – youthful, increased ceiling, and already working inside a prime improvement setting. Collins may match the homegrown quota and bolster the numbers, however don’t gown this up as an elite-level signing. Saliba and Gabriel want competitors, not charity.
If Arsenal wish to evolve into serial winners, this feels extra like a secure choice than an announcement one.