Arsenal recently secured the long-term future of one of the key players as Gabriel Magalhaes put pen to paper on a new deal that will see him stay at the Emirates until 2027.
Despite this, it appears as though the north London club have been urged to add some extra strength and depth to the defensive area of Mikel Arteta’s squad and to try and help improve the Brazilian’s game.
Speaking to Football Insider, Noel Whelan had this to say on the matter: “That’s the only reason they’d go out and get someone else in.
“I think sometimes bringing in another player can add strength and quality, first and foremost. But it can also give some players, like Gabriel in this case, that kick up the backside they need.
“I’m not saying Gabriel is complacent, but we’ve seen a couple of mistakes creeping into his game now.
“Someone else like [Evan] N’Dicka coming in to share that load and spur him on could cut those out.”
It was reported last week that the Gunners are eyeing a move for the Eintracht Frankfurt defender so he could offer some competition for Gabriel.
To compare the two players from the 11 league games that they have played in for their respective clubs this season, N’Dicka has made more clearances (70 vs 55), interceptions (20 vs 9), blocks (31 vs 21) and successful pressures (40 vs 22) than the Gunners defender.
This suggests that the Frankfurt defender could well give sufficient competition for a place in Arteta’s side.
Described by Frankfurt journalist Christopher Michel as an “exciting” player who is a “complete package”, N’Dicka would certainly add some extra quality to Arsenal’s defence, in our view.
Moving forward, if the £8.7k-per-week centre-back becomes available during the upcoming January transfer window, the Gunners should do all they can to bring him to the club.
