Arsenal are on the hunt for a defender and there is no shortage of names being linked, but what of these five who were linked with a move ahead of the January window?
1Fernando Calero
- Age: 23
- Position: Centre-Back
- Contract until: 2021
- Club: Real Valladolid
- Estimated transfer value: £9m (was £7.2m in January)
Arsenal reportedly ‘registered their interest‘ with Real Valladolid for their defender, Fernando Calero, at the start of December.
23-year-old Calero caught the eye of several top European clubs last season, including the Gunners who have also been attracted by his reported €11m release clause. At this point, however, it should be noted the release clause has not been confirmed. Calero’s current contract runs until 2021.
A centreback who can play left or right, the right-footed Spaniard struggles in the air so that’s something he’d certainly need to work on if he arrived at Arsenal.
Unlike many others we’ve seen play back there for Arsenal over recent times, however, Calero has no issues with his concentration throughout a game. Plus, his ability to position himself in order to block shots is very good.
The player visited London ahead of the January window, though he claimed afterwards it was just for a holiday, not to complete a transfer.
There has been little mention of Arsenal moving again for him, but, as we know, that could just mean the press haven’t got wind of anything.