Step aside Dean Huijsen, Arsenal are eyeing transfer for another Premier League centre-back who is a ‘born leader’

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Arsenal are keeping an eye on Brentford defender Nathan Collins ahead of a potential summer transfer, Arsenal Insider understands.

Collins is enjoying another impressive season for the Bees, scoring twice in 32 Premier League appearances.

This form has prompted interest from the Gunners, who view the Irishman as a potential alternative to Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen.

Huijsen has been linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, although the Spaniard is being courted by a number of clubs, and the Cherries could demand a substantial fee for his services.

• READ MORE: Arsenal identify ‘outstanding’ winger who is better than Nico Williams as transfer target ahead of summer window

Nathan Collins is ‘on Arsenal’s radar’

Jakub Kiwior’s future at Arsenal is uncertain, and thus, the Gunners are expected to be in the market for a centre-back this summer.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have played the majority of the available minutes this season, and the North Londoners are keen on reducing the burden on the duo.

Arsenal’s interest in Jorrel Hato is well-documented, while Huijsen has emerged as a target in recent weeks.

TBR Football’s transfer expert Graeme Bailey told Arsenal Insider that Collins is among those being considered by Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta.

“Nathan Collins is someone who is on Arsenal’s radar,” he said.

“He shows up really well analytically. Also, scouting him and watching him, he’s got a lot going for him. Good age, 23, playing really well. He’s someone who Arsenal are considering.

“Obviously, we know of the Dean Huijsen links as well. They do want another centre-half in there. I think it’s probably a right-sider because they’ve got [Riccardo] Calafiori in there already. We’ll see how that impacts the squad.

“Arsenal are insistent that it’s not a [William] Saliba or Gabriel [Maglhaes] replacement, people will read into it how they want to.

“Huijsen is a very difficult deal to get done, because of the number of teams that are in for him, including Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid.

“It’s interesting, does Arsenal’s elimination of Real Madrid make their potential move for Dean Huijsen less likely? Quite possibly. Is there going to be a reset at Madrid now, where they need to bring another centre-half in?

“We’ll have to see how that transpires. From the outside, I think Collins probably would be an easier deal to get done.”

Should Arsenal sign Nathan Collins?

On the surface, some Arsenal fans may sneer at the prospect of Collins, but the deal actually makes sense on paper.

If Kiwior goes, the Gunners will need another central defender in their ranks.

Huijsen is probably too good to settle for a role deputising Saliba and Gabriel, while he may be too costly to be acquired to fulfil this specific role.

Meanwhile, Collins would likely be delighted to come to Arsenal and be a sporadically used squad player, and he’s certainly good enough to do so.

Described as a ‘born leader’ by Brentford, he’s tall, rangy and excellent in possession – the Republic of Ireland man has the attributes required to play in Arteta’s system.

It could potentially be a smart pick-up from Arsenal at the right price.