Arsenal linked with defensive leader in Premier League metrics | OneFootball

Arsenal Weigh Move for Premier League’s Most Underrated Centre-Back

Search for Defensive Depth Begins

Arsenal’s defensive solidity this season has been nothing short of elite. With just 27 goals conceded – the best in the Premier League – Mikel Arteta’s back line is rightly lauded. But as any top club knows, true success lies in sustaining excellence across all fronts. That is why, as reported by TBR Football, Arsenal are eyeing Brentford’s Nathan Collins as a genuine candidate to bolster their central defence.

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“Arsenal are hugely impressed with a centre-back who places in the top three of four key defensive metrics this season,” the report states, underlining the statistical foundation for their interest.

Collins Leading by Numbers

At just 23 years old, Nathan Collins is already something of a Premier League veteran, with spells at Burnley, Wolves and now Brentford. His consistency and durability – having played every single minute this season – are rare in modern football.

What stands out even more is his statistical dominance. Collins currently leads the Premier League in blocks with 48, ranks second in headed clearances (115), and third in both total clearances (187) and aerial duels won (101). He’s outperformed all but Dan Burn and Virgil van Dijk in the air, which places him in elite company.

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal’s Summer Puzzle

While Arsenal’s current centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães is among Europe’s finest, the pursuit of Collins suggests a shift from reactive squad building to proactive depth planning. With Dean Huijsen also on the club’s radar, the Gunners are clearly focused on future-proofing their defence.

Photo IMAGO

Still, Brentford won’t be easily persuaded. With Collins contracted until 2029 and the club holding an option to extend for two more seasons, any fee would likely surpass the £50m benchmark mentioned for Huijsen.

Defensive Evolution Under Arteta

This potential move signals that Arsenal are building with sustained domestic and European dominance in mind. Gone are the days of plugging gaps; this is about securing world-class depth and competition – the hallmarks of modern trophy-winning machines.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Here’s the thing: Nathan Collins is good. There’s no arguing with the numbers. But is he Arsenal-good?

Yes, he’s played every minute for Brentford and yes, his metrics are strong. But there’s a reason the likes of Wolves and Burnley let him go without much resistance. Is that really the calibre Arsenal are chasing when trying to compete with Manchester City and Real Madrid in the Champions League?

If the goal is rotation and depth, fine. But not at £50m or more. That kind of money should go towards genuine starters, not a player whose primary claim to fame is leading the league in clearances because his team are under constant pressure.

The Huijsen link makes more sense – younger, higher ceiling, and already operating within a top development environment. Collins might fit the homegrown quota and bolster the numbers, but don’t dress this up as an elite-level signing. Saliba and Gabriel need competition, not charity.

If Arsenal want to evolve into serial winners, this feels more like a safe option than a statement one.