Manchester United’s transfer business this summer could have a huge impact on Arsenal’s season – and not only based on what the top 4 looks like come May 2016.
According to various reports including those from The Telegraph and from Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, Laurent Koscielny is considered as a potential replacement for Sergio Ramos, if the latter does leave Real Madrid.
Ramos’ future has been uncertain ever since he was brought up in Barcelona’s presidential election campaigns as having been offered to the Catalan side. According to Graham Hunter on Sky Sports News, this angered Ramos to a point of no return and he is seeking a move to Old Trafford.
As such an important player to Los Blancos, he would leave a huge gap – one that would need to be filled by a world-class player, and Koscielny is certainly in that bracket.
The 29 year-old made 29 appearances for the Gunners in 2014/15, scoring three goals – just one less than Ramos managed at Madrid. He is of the mould that Madrid would be looking for, a very good reader of the game – comfortable on the ball and confident in making interceptions. His aerial abilities are strong and he is a leader at the back.
Using Squawka’s comparison matrix, we compared the two towering centre-backs. Koscielny won less aerial battles and tackles per game than Ramos in their respective leagues last season but made more interceptions per 90 minutes – 3.66 compared to Ramos’ 2.60.
The suggested bid for Koscielny by Real Madrid is in the £20-25m region but Arsene Wenger will likely look for more for his French international centre-back as he could be crucial in a bid to bring the Premier League trophy to the Emirates in 2015/16.
There has been a development in the Ramos to United saga that could be good news for Arsenal, however – as Ramos has told Spanish media that he is not currently in negotiations with any club; meaning Koscielny could yet remain in North London.
