Arsenal Transfers: 5 Right-Backs Who Could Replace Sagna

4. Joel Ward

Dave Thompson/PA Archive/Press Association ImagesDave Thompson/PA Archive/Press Association ImagesCrystal Palace€™s astounding mid-table finish last season was primarily thanks to the hard work of men like Joel Ward. The in-form Eagles right-back was also used to pitch in at midfield when a plethora of injuries hampered their efforts midway through the season. Ward€™s 114-tackles, 88-interceptions and 169-clearences made him statistically one of the best defenders in the Premier League and led to many clamouring for Ward€™s place on England€™s World Cup squad; he would eventually be left in favour of Glen Johnson, who admittedly had one of the better tournaments in the England camp. Though Ward€™s World Cup dreams didn€™t come to frutition, the 25-year-old€™s ability to keep the best Premier League wingers at bay has been well documented. Ward€™s statistical ranking as one of the most successful tacklers in the entire league means that Arsenal could rely on him to fulfil his defensive duties while €“ like all modern full-backs €“ he has the pace and dribbling technique to come forward and provide some additional options on the offensive end. The Palace right-back may not be as glamorous as some of the other options on this list but the Gunners would surely be able to tempt the versatile player out of Selhurst Park for an affordable price.
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Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.