Sportsmail takes a look at the eight defenders who could replace the centre back

Arsenal manager Unai Emery believes his squad needs major improvements.

Sportsmail reported earlier this week that Emery will sanction a Gunners clearout this summer — with defender Shkodran Mustafi among the players for sale.

Here, Sportsmail takes a look at the eight defenders who could replace Mustafi at the heart of the Arsenal defence.

Sportsmail takes a look at the eight defenders who could replace Shkodran Mustafi at Arsenal

SAMUEL UMTITI - £65m (Barcelona)

Since joining Barcelona from Lyon back in 2016 Umtiti has racked up 96 appearances for the Catalan giants and in the three years at the Nou Camp he has won six trophies.

The 25-year-old also played a key role in France's World Cup-winning in Russia last summer.

Samuel Umtiti played a key role in France's World Cup winning-side in Russia last summer

JEAN-PHILIPPE GBAMIN - £35m (Mainz)

At 23 years of age Gbamin has youth on his side and could continue to develop at the Emirates Stadium.

Gbamin has played 29 times for the Bundesliga outfit this campaign and has been valued at £35m.

At 23 Jean-Philippe Gbamin (left) has youth on his side and could continue to develop

MARIO HERMOSO - £35m (Espanyol)

Like Gbamin, centre half Hermoso, who played the majority of his youth career at La Liga giants Real Madrid, is only 23.

Hermoso, who has made 30 appearances this season, is a rock at the back for Espanyol.

His contract in Spain is due to expire in June 2020 and he is valued at £35m, although he could be bought for closer to £16m.

Mario Hermoso (left) is valued at £35m, although he could be bought for closer to £16m

WALTER KANNEMANN - £12m (Gremio)

The 28-year-old is a naturally left-sided centre back who has been drafted into the Argentina team this season.

Known as 'the Viking', Kannemann is a combative, robust tackler, who has drawn interest from a number of English sides plus Atletico Madrid whose coach Diego Simeone worked with Kannemann at San Lorenzo.

Walter Kannemann (right) has been drafted into the Argentina side this season

MICHAEL KEANE - £50m (Everton)

Keane has been in excellent form this season, regaining his place in the England side and performing well in the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Montenegro.

Sportsmail reported earlier this month that Arsenal and Tottenham could be set for a summer battle over the centre back.

The north London rivals both had representatives watching Keane during Everton's 2-0 win at West Ham at the end of March.

Michael Keane has been in excellent form this season, regaining his place in the England side

LLOYD KELLY - £10m (Bristol City)

The 20-year-old has played a part in Bristol City's push for the play-off spots in the Championship by featuring in 30 league games.

Kelly predominantly plays at left back but can play in the centre of defence and has been valued at £10m.

Lloyd Kelly has played a part in Bristol City's push for the play-off spots in the Championship

ERIC BAILLY - £35m (Man Utd)

Manchester United rejected Arsenal's enquiry to take Bailly on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent deal in the summer back in the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old centre back has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford and has not played since March 6.

Manchester United rejected Arsenal's enquiry to take Eric Bailly on loan back in January

DJENE DAKONAM - £30m (Getafe)

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Emery was interested in signing the £30m-rated defender back in the summer.

It's claimed Emery was keeping tabs on Getafe's Dakonam last month as he was spotted in the stands during their 0-0 draw with his former club Valencia.

The Togo international has made 35 appearances for the La Liga side this season.