2. Virgil van Dijk
Once Liverpool’s move for Virgil Van Dijk fails due to Southampton complaining to the Premier League regarding possible ‘tapping up’, the immediate discussion turned to other possible suitors of the towering centre-half.
As if known, one of the clubs that have been mentioned in the transfer saga is Arsenal. However, while some would claim there is a great need for a centre-half because of the defensive struggles that have plagued the Gunners far too long, the root of the issue stems, not from the personnel, and instead from the system and the approach.
Arsene Wenger priorities attacking football, demanding his full-backs to press into advanced areas, often at the expense of the defensive shape of the side. Simply brining in another player does not solve such issues. Rather, this will only proceed to expose van Dijk in a system that does not provide cover and protection for its centre-halves.
Additionally, the inclusion of Rob Holding as a rising star during the latter stages of the season mean that numbers are not a problem at the position. The Dutchman would only enter the fray as another, unnecessary addition at a rather pretty penny. While he’s an excellent player, his service at the Emirates isn’t needed.