Arsenal's David Luiz blocks a cross against West Ham (Getty Images)
Arsenal have announced David Luiz has agreed to a new one-year deal with the club. But after another disastrous display against Manchester City last week, Mikel Arteta should be looking to boost his backline significantly this summer.
A man who you will expect to be at the top of his wish list is Aston Villa center-back Tyrone Mings. The former Bournemouth man, who has been a revelation since arriving at Villa Park last season, is rapidly turning into one of the standout defenders in the division.
And while taking advantage of betting promotions when he’s playing for his current team may not yield too many wins, he’s very much the jewel in the crown.
There’s already talk of Mikel Arteta being interested in bringing the twenty-seven year old to the Emirates. But with Villa paying out twenty million to sign Mings last summer, his price is expected to have skyrocketed since.
It could be a stumbling block for Arsenal and Arteta, and with the Gunners announcing Luiz, Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares will be at the club next season, it casts doubt on them doing the business to bring the England international into the building.
So, Mings will cost a fair amount to prise away from Villa. However, if Dean Smith’s men go down, which looks likely at the time of writing, it could see Mings become available at a lower price.
And, while the center-back is committed to the cause at Villa Park, and has played for them in the second tier, he will undoubtedly feel he need to be turning out in the Premier League. For the good of his career, and his chances with England.
Mings will immediately bring a physical presence to the Arsenal backline. Standing at 6’5, he has height, but he’s also a player with athleticism—something which the Gunners appear to lack.
Mings has skippered Villa twice this season, but even when he’s not wearing the captain’s armband, he’s bellowing orders and pulling people into position all the time.
Arsenal lack leaders and players with voices on the pitch, and this is an area where Mings can bring something positive to the table.
It’s one of his most prominent qualities, and if the Gunners are to become a force in English football again, they need more players who will give their all and encourage their teammates to do the same on and off the pitch.
Mings has been an ever-present for Villa. He’s only missed five games with an injury, so, Arteta would have a player he can rely on to be available in most games. His defensive abilities and performances have earned him call ups to the England squad, and as he’s left-footed, it provides Arsenal with balance at center-back as well.
He may cost a fair whack, but prising Mings away from Villa could prove to be a masterstroke. A task made easier if Villa drop out of the division.
