Case for the defence: Arsenal overstocked at the back

Arsenal signed 22-year old Brazilian centre-half Gabriel Magalhães , right, from Lille. The 22-year-old centre-back will link up in north London with fellow Brazilians David Luiz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Willian, the latter having recently joined from Chelsea.

At time of writing, Arsenal has eight centre-halves listed in their first-team squad, with a further centre-back, Dino Mavropanos, on loan at Stuttgart.

Clearly, there is some clutter to clear from Mikel Arteta’s defensive stock room. Peek beneath the clutter, however, and signs of a clear succession plan are emerging.