One of the saddest events from the previous week of football was seeing Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny moaning in pain and clutched his ankle.
It’s been reported that his metaphoric Achilles has been ruptured and that’s ended the Frenchman’s hopes of making the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The 32-year-old joined Arsenal from from League 1 side Lorient in 2010, making 324 appearances in all competitions, but it may be time for the Gunners to identify a replacement.
Here are three options who could replace the centre-back this summer.
Jonny Evans
West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans may not be the centre-back the Gunners want, but he’s a highly experienced Premier League player and has won a league title with former club Manchester United.
The Northern Ireland international would be Arsenal’s ideal replacement for Koscielny as he’s a leader at the back and a good passer of the ball. He could improve the Gunners’ porous backline if he was signed this summer.
And now West Brom’s relegation has been confirmed, Evans will be available for just £3m.
Çağlar Söyüncü
Söyüncü is a Turkish international, just 21 years of age, who his currently plying his trade with Bundesliga side Freiburg.
Arsenal have been linked with him in the past and could now make a move for him now if Koscielny’s going to be out of action for six months.
Daley Blind
Daley Blind appears to be deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester United and could be on the move this summer.
The 28-year-old can’t get a game under Jose Mourinho this season, but he could be a useful defender for Arsenal.
The Dutch international is a good reader of the game, composed in possession and capable of playing in a variety of positions.