Arsenal set to trigger Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah release clause

Arsenal will look to strengthen their defense in the summer.

And Tah is one of the players on the list.

Arsenal may trigger the €37m release clause of Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah to mend the defensive problems threatening the club. The Gunners have eyed RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano over the season, and Tah is the newest addition to Arteta’s list of possible defenders for next season, as per Sport Bild.

Tah is solid in the defence and makes 1.3 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 3.4 clearances per game and gets dribbled past twice every five games. Apart from his defensive skills, he also helps in build-up play. He makes 77.5 passes per match, with 89.1% of those being accurate. He makes a key pass every four games and has bagged two assists this season.

Arteta has to make up his mind by June as Tah’s release clause expires that month. Arsenal has got Pablo Mari from Flamengo on loan, with an option to buy the Spaniard at the end of the season. They also had sent William Saliba on loan Saint-Etienne, who would be returning at the end of the season. If the Gunners manage to finalise the Tah deal, he will surely prove to be an asset.

The Gunners currently sit 10th on the Premier League table. While their attack has been poor, the defensive performance can be called worse. The London club has conceded 47 goals across all competitions, with only 10 clean sheets over 37 matches.

Of the 10 defenders playing for Arsenal, Sokratis and Luiz have made the most appearances. The Greek centre-back is dribbled past 0.6 times per match and Luiz only makes 0.9 tackles per match. The numbers might be good enough for a midtable club, they are underwhelming for a reputed club like Arsenal.