Unai Emery
The Mirror has revealed that Arsenal are leading the race for Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Conor Coady, as the Gunners look for defensive reinforcements.
The Premier League giants have suffered over the last few months, thanks to a myriad of injury issues, which has kept the majority of manager Unai Emery’s core squad out. Now while they are slowly returning back to full fitness, Arsenal still needs another centre-back and in steps Coady.
The former Liverpool youth product arrived at the Molineux stadium as a midfielder with the ability to play as a right-back. However, Nuno Espirito Santo’s arrival saw Coady shift positions towards a more central defensive role, in Santo’s back three and he hasn’t looked back. His performances in the Championship had jaws dropping, especially given his midfield past but that’s exactly what makes him a great centre-back.
For Arsenal, on the other hand, Conor Coady is exactly the type of player they should be targeting to help reinforce their defence. They do not need a revolution at the back, which something Liverpool did last season and exactly what Manchester United are looking to do. But Arsenal need someone within their reach who can lead them forward.
The 25-year-old English international is that man, and thanks to his midfield past, Coady has been better than most of Arsenal’s back-line this season. His passing average borders on 85% and that combined with defensive acumen is what has made him a key figure for Wolves, and that could be a problem for Arsenal.
The Daily Mail has revealed that the club are preparing to offer a rather lucrative contract to the centre-back in light of the transfer rumours, which would put Coady’s salary alongside Joao Moutinho and Rui Patricio, the highest earners at the club.
At the moment, the 25-year-old has two years left on his current deal and with serious interest from Arsenal and even Liverpool (via the Mirror), Wolves need to act fast if they want to keep their captain. However, Arsenal needs to move even faster, as there are a few players in the world within reach for the Gunners at the moment and Conor Coady is among their best options.
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While there is always next summer to add defensive reinforcements to their side, Unai Emery and company need to bring in at least one permanent signing in the January window. That needs to be either a centre back or a midfielder, but someone who can help them going forward.
