5 Defenders Offering Better Transfer Value for Arsenal Than Chris Smalling

If Arsenal really are weighing up a move for Manchester United’s Chris Smalling, they might want to take some time to consider other available options.

John Percy of The Telegraph reports that Arsene Wenger has identified Smalling as a possible replacement for Per Mertesacker. However, Arsenal supporters who’ve seen Smalling in action at Old Trafford will be concerned by the rumour: Thus far in his United career he has not looked like an elite defender.

In this piece, we identify five centre-backs who could offer greater value on the transfer market. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be cheaper; sometimes you have to pay premium prices to secure top talent. In the long run, it tends to prove worthwhile.

Samuel Umtiti, Lyon

Claude Paris/Associated Press

Samuel Umtiti has been one of the stars of Lyon’s surprise title challenge this season. The young French defender, although capable of playing at left-back, has won admirers with a series of athletic displays at centre-half.

French website FootMercato (h/t The Metro) claim that the 21-year-old is already on Arsene Wenger’s shortlist. With Transfermarkt estimating his value at £8.8 million, he could prove to be an absolute bargain.

John Stones, Everton

Chris Brunskill/Getty Images

According to Transfermarkt, young English international John Stones could be available for as little as £8.8 million.

Given his obvious potential, he would be a very astute signing. Stones offers cover as full-back but has all the attributes required to develop in to a top centre-half. His ability on the ball and inherent positional sense mean he could grow in to a far more accomplished defender than Smalling.

According to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, Arsenal were interested in Stones at the end of the 2013-14 season. It would be not a huge surprise to see them return for him this summer.

Raphael Varane, Real Madrid

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

With Anthony Chapman of The Express listing Raphael Varane’s value at around £30 million, this would certainly not be the cheap option.

However, recruiting a top0class talent like Varane would have enormous long-term benefit to Arsenal. He is extremely quick, elegant on the ball and shows preternatural positional awareness.

Watching Varane, it is hard to believe he is still just 21. It’s frightening to think how good he could one day become.

Hector Moreno, RCD Espanyol

David Ramos/Getty Images

If Simon Jones of the Daily Mail is to believed, Arsenal scout Brian McDermott has been watching Mexican centre-half Hector Moreno in action for RCD Espanyol.

As Moreno has just one year left on his deal with the La Liga club, Transfermarkt believe he could be available for just £6.1 million.

After his eye-catching performances at the 2014 World Cup, a host of Premier League clubs could be joining Arsenal in watching Moreno’s performances between now and the summer.

Aymeric Laporte, Athletic Bilbao

Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Giving Manchester United money for Chris Smalling would create a gap in their squad that the Red Devils would presumably look to fill with a top-class replacement, such as Spaniard Aymeric Laporte.

Arsenal should do the smart thing and beat United to the punch, and bring Laporte in themselves.

It wouldn’t be cheap: According to Alex Harris of the Daily Star his fee could be £31 million. However, getting one over United would make such an expensive deal worthwhile.