It's no secret what Arsenal's biggest weakness has been this season: their attack.
Injuries and poor form have seen Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool all score more goals than Mikel Arteta's side in the Premier League.
Yet, for everything that's gone wrong this year, the Gunners have still got the best defensive record in the competition, largely thanks to the incredible centre-back partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Gabriel-Saliba-Arsenal-Premier-League-Chelsea
Unfortunately, the pairing could soon be broken apart, with Real Madrid now upping the ante in their pursuit of the Frenchman.
However, it's not necessarily all doom and gloom, as recent reports have linked Arsenal with another sensational centre-back who could prove to be a perfect replacement.
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Transfer Focus
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Arsenal's search for Saliba's successor
Because he has been performing at such a high level for a considerable period now, Saliba has long been linked with Real Madrid.
However, a recent report from French outlet L'Equipe has claimed that the Arsenal ace is now one of Los Blancos' primary targets and someone they want to come in and lead the defence next season.
Losing the Bondy-born monster would undoubtedly be a massive setback for the North Londoners, but if they can secure the previously reported £86m for his services, then they can at least go out and look for a replacement.
arsenal-william-saliba-champions-league
In fact, that appears to be what they are doing already, as, according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have maintained their strong interest in Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen, who is "the most in-demand centre-back in the world" in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson.
Alongside the Gunners, Romano has revealed that Liverpool and Chelsea are also in the "race to sign" the Spanish international, who has a £50m release clause in his current contract.
It might be a lot to spend on a youngster, but given his ability and immense potential, it would be worth it, especially as he could be the ideal Saliba replacement.
Why Huijsen would be a great Saliba replacement
If Arsenal can get ahead of the chasing pack and sign Huijsen in the coming weeks and months, what makes him a potentially great replacement for Saliba?
Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen
First and foremost, even though he has only recently turned 20, he already has plenty of top-level experience.
For example, in addition to the two senior caps he's won for Spain, the potentially "world-class" gem, as dubbed by one analyst, has made 33 appearances for Bournemouth this term, 27 of which have been starts, scored three goals and provided one assist.
Dean Huijsen vs Arsenal
On top of that, Arsenal fans will already be annoyingly aware of his immense ability, as not only did he start in the Cherries home win over the North Londoners in late October, he started in their win over the weekend, where he won his fourth Man of the Match Award this season and scored his third goal.
Finally, when we directly compare him to the Gunners' supremely talented number two, the "perfect" Spaniard, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, actually comes out on top.
Huijsen vs Saliba
Statistics
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
Non-Penalty G+As
Progressive Passes
Progressive Carries
Passing Accuracy
Key Passes
Passes into the Final 1/3
Passes into the Penalty Area
Shot-Creating Actions
Goal-Creating Actions
Tackles Won
Blocks
Interceptions
Clearances
Errors Leading to a Shot
Ball Recoveries
Aerial Duels Won
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 PL Season
For example, he does better in practically every relevant metric, including but not limited to, expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive and key passes, passes into the final third and penalty area, shot and goal-creating actions, blocks, interceptions, clearances, aerial duals won and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, while keeping hold of Saliba should be Arsenal's primary objective, Huijsen looks like he'd be the perfect replacement.
If anything, he's someone they should look to sign regardless of what happens to the Frenchman.
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