How Arsenal Can Boost Their Warchest With A Few Budget Squad Signings - Centre-Backs

Centre-Back

Arsenal could lose Thomas Vermaelen this summer as the Belgian international is struggling to break the partnership of Koscielny and Mertesacker to get a starting spot despite being club captain. Even if the man lovingly dubbed The Verminator does decide to stay at Arsenal next season the Gunners are still in need of a fourth centre-back. It seems unlikely that Arsenal will promote a youth player to the first-team when the options are the promising but still raw Hayden or the moderately talented but still unconvincing Miquel. Arsenal may need up to two centre-backs this summer and here are some bargain squad options.

Steven Caulker - Boo! Why would we want an ex-Tottenham player? Well, firstly, he is talented. Secondly, he is young. Thirdly, he is English. What better squad option than a promising, talented, young, English centre-back to learn from the likes of Koscielny and Mertesacker? And with Cardiff almost a certainty for relegation he could be available quite cheaply. If we can forgive Sol for his Spuds origins we can certainly forgive Steven - and it's not like he is going to be first-choice!

Brede Hangeland - We've flirted with him for a few years and despite him getting on a bit he is still a pretty decent defender and it's important to remember we are looking for a squad player and the best choices are experienced players who can step in at a moments notice or younger players who we can rely on for the odd game they are needed whilst we train them into a starter. If Fulham go down he will most certainly move on and for a bargain price too.

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