Spanish media outlets are stating that Arsenal, along with Borussia Dortmund, are interested in Spanish defender Fernando Calero.

The same report in Cadena SER suggests that the Real Valladolid centre-back has an €11m release clause in his contract.

When you look at Arsenal’s problems with injuries, especially in defence, you can see why Gunners boss Unai Emery might be looking for new defensive recruits when the January transfer window opens.

Young Englishman Rob Holding has been ruled out on a longterm basis due to an ACL injury. In a statement (BBC report) Arsenal stated how bad the injury was:

“Rob will undergo surgery in the coming days and rehabilitation is expected to take between six to nine months,”

Club captain Laurent Koscielny and Konstantinos Mavropanos have both missed all of this season so far, although Laurent should play some part in tonight’s Europa League tie against Qarabag.

German World Cup winner Shkordan Mustafi has also been dealing with an issue with his hamstring in recent weeks.

When you look at the Premier League table, you’ll also notice that Arsenal are sitting outside of the top four due to goal difference. The Gunners have conceded more than any other side currently in the top five positions in the league. They’ve also conceded more than Wolves and Everton.

So why would the North London side be interested in Valladolid’s Calero? 

Well Fernando has been an ever present for his side in La Liga thus far this term, and Real Valladolid have been the fourth best defensive team in Spain during this campaign. They’ve only conceded fifteen goals in fifteen games and that’s a better record than FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Sevilla.

When you check out Whoscored, you’ll notice that the Spaniard has decent defensive stats. His tackling success rate sits at 1.5 tackles per game (which is a better average than Holding) and he is also making 1.8 interceptions. He’s winning 1.7 aerial duels per game and that’s better than Arsenal regular Sokratis. Only Mustafi has bettered Calero’s 5.7 interceptions per league game.

Fernando’s also pretty decent when the balls at his feet and as we know Arsenal are now looking to play from the back. The Spanish central defender has a passing success rate of 88%, and that’s the type of numbers Emery will be looking for from his defenders.

Obviously his potential price being just €11m would be extremly tempting. Arsenal probably also need a new right sided forward and if they can save some money in buying a new centre-back, then they can use that extra cash to go after another expensive target.

The fact that he’s just twenty-three years old is another big bonus for Unai Emery. That means that he won’t come in and demand a place in the starting line-up straight away and he’s young enough to learn under his compatriot Emery.

If Arsenal are indeed on the lookout for a centre-half, then they should make use of coach Unai Emery’s Spanish contacts and look at bidding for the promising Fernando Calero. The Valladolid man has been impressive in La Liga this term and could help The Gunners out as they look to plug the gaps at the back.

Posted on December 13th, 2018 by scott
Filed under: Article