Unai Emery has been tipped to sign a new defender to replace erratic Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi.
The Gunners have looked revitalised under Emery this season and extended their unbeaten run to 17 games against Bournemouth on Sunday.
After 13 league games, Arsenal are fifth – just a point below a Champions League place – and top of their Europa League group.
But despite their impressive run, Arsenal have continued to ship goals and Alan Smith expects Emery to target a new defender sooner rather than later.
More: Football
The Gunners hero told the Evening Standard: I like the look of Rob Holding.
He has had a run in the side, which has been vital for his development and confidence.
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It cant be easy playing alongside Shkodran Mustafi in central defence, because the German is very erratic.
And it would be no surprise if Arsenal made it their priority to sign a centre-back sooner rather than later.
Following Arsenals hard-fought victory over Bournemouth on Sunday, Jamie Redknapp praised Emery for turning things around at the Emirates.
Emerys predecessor, Arsene Wenger, won ten major trophies at the club but lost his way towards the end of his reign.
[Emery] has changed the formation but the big thing is hes changed the mentality at Arsenal, Redknapp told Sky Sports.
Over the last few years you would watch Arsenal and say: “Theyre soft”.
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We used to speak about their lack of strength in midfield. Bad mistakes were happening time and time again under Arsene Wenger.
Its obvious they are now more resilient and stronger.
Emery, meanwhile, praised his Arsenal team after they returned to winning ways against Eddie Howes Bournemouth.
Weve not lost for 17 matches but weve drawn some and that is not enough for us, said Emery. We spoke in the week about how important today was.
More: Football
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We are happy and before the match we knew it would be a difficult match and that we needed to win today to be near the top four.
Bournemouth were four points behind us and could have been near our position with a win.
Arsenal travel to Ukraine to face Vorskla Poltava on Thursday evening before returning to Premier League action against north London rivals Tottenham next weekend.
MORE: Sokratis explains where Arsenal must improve ahead of Tottenham clash
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Unai Emery has been tipped to sign a new defender to replace erratic Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi.
The Gunners have looked revitalised under Emery this season and extended their unbeaten run to 17 games against Bournemouth on Sunday.
After 13 league games, Arsenal are fifth – just a point below a Champions League place – and top of their Europa League group.
But despite their impressive run, Arsenal have continued to ship goals and Alan Smith expects Emery to target a new defender sooner rather than later.
More: Football
The Gunners hero told the Evening Standard: I like the look of Rob Holding.
He has had a run in the side, which has been vital for his development and confidence.
Advertisement Advertisement
It cant be easy playing alongside Shkodran Mustafi in central defence, because the German is very erratic.
And it would be no surprise if Arsenal made it their priority to sign a centre-back sooner rather than later.
Following Arsenals hard-fought victory over Bournemouth on Sunday, Jamie Redknapp praised Emery for turning things around at the Emirates.
Emerys predecessor, Arsene Wenger, won ten major trophies at the club but lost his way towards the end of his reign.
[Emery] has changed the formation but the big thing is hes changed the mentality at Arsenal, Redknapp told Sky Sports.
Over the last few years you would watch Arsenal and say: “Theyre soft”.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
We used to speak about their lack of strength in midfield. Bad mistakes were happening time and time again under Arsene Wenger.
Its obvious they are now more resilient and stronger.
Emery, meanwhile, praised his Arsenal team after they returned to winning ways against Eddie Howes Bournemouth.
Weve not lost for 17 matches but weve drawn some and that is not enough for us, said Emery. We spoke in the week about how important today was.
More: Football
Advertisement Advertisement
We are happy and before the match we knew it would be a difficult match and that we needed to win today to be near the top four.
Bournemouth were four points behind us and could have been near our position with a win.
Arsenal travel to Ukraine to face Vorskla Poltava on Thursday evening before returning to Premier League action against north London rivals Tottenham next weekend.
MORE: Sokratis explains where Arsenal must improve ahead of Tottenham clash
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