Arsenal Transfers: 5 Centre Backs Wenger Should Sign
2. Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao)
Aymeric Laporte is another young centre back who has enjoyed his breakthrough season in European football this year. The 19-year-old has been a revelation for Athletic Bilbao in La Liga, sparking interest from Barcelona among others. The Catalan clubs interest tells you a great deal about how the Basque-born centre back plays. Comfortable in possession and happy playing out from the back, Laporte has shown composure beyond his years with his performances for Ernesto Valverdes side. Bilbao have been one of the teams of the season in Spain this year, dwarfed only by table-topping Atletico Madrid. Laportes team are currently fourth in the league, meaning they are on the verge of Champions League qualification for next season. Whether the young centre back is playing in Europe with them or another team remains to be seen. Although interest is high in Laporte, this should not put Wenger off. The youth French international has a release clause of around £30million, meaning that no bidding war will ensue past that amount. It may look like an expensive outlay, but given Laportes age and undeniable talent, it maybe a worthy investment.
Simon is an NCTJ qualified sports journalist. He has conducted interviews with Tony Adams and Peter Shilton, while also having work published in The Daily Telegraph and The Sun. Follow him on Twitter via @sr_collings.
