Why Arsenal Should Battle Manchester United for Mats Hummels Transfer

The fact that Arsenal are looking for a central defender is one of the worst-kept secrets in Premier League football. They could do far worse than turn to World Cup winner Mats Hummels. If Manchester United are going to bid for the German centre-half, Arsenal should do everything they can to rival them in the race.

It’s painfully obvious that Arsenal need a new centre-back. Much of that pain belongs to Laurent Koscielny, who has been playing through a persistent Achilles problem. During the international break, Koscielny was sent back from the France training camp complaining of chronic tendinitis of both Achilles tendons. At his pre-match press conference, manager Arsene Wenger confirmed that Koscielny will miss the weekend’s game with Hull City:

With Calum Chambers suspended, that means Arsenal will have to field left-back Nacho Monreal alongside Per Mertesacker at centre-half. That’s a short-term measure, but Arsenal may need to find a midterm solution. For Koscielny, there is no immediate relief on the horizon. Although he is unlikely to need surgery, careful management will be required to prevent the inflammation from becoming too painful.

Koscielny cannot be risked in every single game. Come January, Arsenal must recruit an experienced defender, enabling Wenger to afford the France international the rest he needs.

Hummels would be a huge signing for Arsenal. According to Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express, the Gunners have edged ahead of Manchester United in the battle for his services:

"

Arsenal are preparing to launch a £32million bid for Borussia Dortmund star and Manchester United target Mats Hummels.

The Germany international was linked with a move away from the German giants over the summer, but opted to remain with Jurgen Klopp's side.

United boss Louis Van Gaal is desperate to bring Hummels to Old Trafford this January as he aims for a top-four finish, although it is believed that the 25-year-old wants Champions League football.

That has opened the door for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who has just two recognised centre-backs in his squad. 

"

Some will argue that Arsenal don’t need a player of Hummels’ undoubted calibre. In Koscielny and Mertesacker, the Gunners already have an established first-choice pairing. Hummels would not be arriving content to play second fiddle. His presence could disturb the defensive balance that took Wenger years to find.

Martin Rose/Getty Images

However, competition is healthy, and upgrades are welcome. For all of Mertesacker’s importance to the Arsenal XI, it’s worth remembering that ultimately, Hummels edged him out of the starting XI during Germany’s successful World Cup campaign.

Hummels arguably has the best attributes of both of Arsenal’s existing centre-backs. He has the size and the power of Mertesacker with the rugged tackling and man-to-man marking ability of Koscielny.

A trio of Mertesacker, Hummels and Koscielny would enable Arsenal to rotate their centre-backs without weakening their starting XI. Chambers, meanwhile, would still be guaranteed a decent amount of football as fourth-choice and back-up right-back.

When it comes to signing a defender, Arsenal have the cash reserves required to make a significant splash. They should aim high and aim for Hummels.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and will be following the club from a London base throughout the 2014/15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.