Arsenal are reportedly looking to bolster their backline for the 2025/26 Premiet League season by bringing in current Brentford star, Nathan Collins.
Mikel Arteta’s side are currently working on identifying new targets to revamp the squad ahead of another title charge next season.
Although their striker troubles are well documented, it seems the Gunners are also looking to add to their defence.
This is according to Graeme Bailey, who reported Arsenal’s interest in the Irish international on TBR Football.
Who is the Brentford star?
Nathan Collins, who has 28 caps and two goals for the Republic of Ireland, has been at Premier League side Brentford for two seasons and has cemented himself as one of the best centre-backs outside of the top six.
At only 23, Collins has made 109 EPL appearances and has featured for three different clubs: Burnley, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and The Bees.
Before joining Burnley in 2021, Collins came through the youth academy at Stoke City. Prior to that, he spent time at Cherry Orchard FC, a Dublin-based side.
Collins is in the top 91% for ‘aerial duels won’, demonstrating his size. Standing at 6’3, he is able to defend his box with quality but he also possesses a threat in the opposite 18-yard box too.
The centre-half has nine goals to his name and this season has two goals and four assists for Thomas Frank’s side.
Why do Arsenal need a defender?
In William Saliba and Gabriel, it could be argued that The Gunners have two of the best centre-halves in world football. And with both tied down on contracts through to 2027, unless a big offer comes in, Arteta will surely want to keep his key men.
Arsenal’s defensive depth, particularly for the central positions, is somewhat questionable though.
Riccardo Calafiori joined the club in the summer, and despite being able to play as a centre-back, he regularly plays as a left-back. Similarly, Jurrien Timber joined in 2023 and tends to feature more at right back.
Meanwhile Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Myles Lewis-Skelly are all either natural full-backs or also preferred there despite having the profile to be capable of playing centrally.
In Jakub Kiwior, Arsenal have a central defender who is relatively strong as a backup option. Although he’s in the 19% percentile for ‘Defensive Actions’ amongst similar centre-backs, which suggests a weakness to his game.
Comparatively, Nathan Collins is in the 75% percentile for ‘Defensive Actions’.
Does Collins to Arsenal make sense?
If Arteta is keen to bolster his options with a thoroughbred central defender, Collins is a good option. Not only does he already have Premier League experience, but at 6’3 and 23 years old, his physical profile and age profile apply well to a club looking to sign a central defender to develop behind two regular starters.
Collins also qualifies as a homegrown player for the Premier League’s squad rules, thanks to playing four seasons at Stoke City and Burnley before the age of 21.
Arteta also has a solid history of buying and implementing players for lower-ranked EPL clubs. David Raya, Leandro Trossard, Declan Rice, and Ben White have all been great signings for the Gunners.
It’s unclear whether Arsenal are set to make a bid imminently after the season is over. However, as reported by Graeme Bailey, Arteta’s side are certainly keen and Collins has plenty of admirers across England.