Report: Arsenal eye another Brazilian defender to replace David Luiz

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Arsenal have made a move to sign AS Roma’s Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez in January, according to Calcio Mercato.

The Gunners are reportedly considering new players for different positions, but a creative attacker is a priority. Mikel Arteta and Edu have openly claimed that Arsenal need a number 10, and that is one position we are likely to go all out for.

However, Arsenal are right to keep an eye on improving our defence. We will lose Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and David Luiz in the summer, but only one of them needs replacing.

The German and the Greek internationals are barely playing anyway. Sokratis isn’t even in the squad while Mustafi is well down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order. However, David Luiz is still very much a part of of the side.

The Brazilian has missed the last two league games due to illness but he is one of Arteta’s most trusted players. Luiz will remain an integral part of our squad until the end of his contract, but Arsenal have to replace him.

Ibanez is a decent option. The 22-year-old is currently on loan at Roma from Atalanta, and the Giallorossi are obligated to sign him permanently this summer. They don’t want to sell immediately, but the report claims that they will let him leave if a £30 million bid comes in.

Ibanez would be a good signing

The 22-year-old is the type of defender Arteta would love. He is excellent with the ball at his feet, is incredibly composed even when he is put under pressure, and he can pick a pass to initiate an attack.

Ibanez averages 2.8 interceptions, 2.1 tackles and 3.5 clearances per game this term. He has also created two big chances for Roma this season – a real plus for a central defender. (SofaScore)

Edu’s connections with Brazilians are excellent. He helped bring Gabriel to Arsenal in the summer even though multiple other clubs were interested in him.

He can possibly have the same influence in our pursuit of Ibanez and that would give us an edge over other clubs interested in him.