da doce： “Of course we are on the market and work very hard every day.
da pixbet： “All our scouts are working very hard to find a defender.”
We know Arsenal fans, you’ve heard it all before and every January in living memory has consisted of a series of transfer disappointments. But, Arsene Wenger’s claims, as quoted by the Daily Star, suggest that he is at least serious about addressing defensive concerns this month.
The Frenchman has been forced to use a series of full-backs as cover at the heart of his defence due to injuries to Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, which has contributed to the Gunners’ top four bid not being quite as strong as was hoped for at the start of the campaign.
So, a defender is on the agenda, but who can the Londoners get? Well, here are FIVE options…
Winston Reid
A candidate to shore up the Gunners’ backline, Reid has been heavily linked with a move from West Ham to Arsenal for some time. Questioning on the New Zealander produced the quotes from the Frenchman on his desire to land a defender, adding some bulk to claims that he’s a target. Strong, commanding and physically imposing, Reid appears to possess some of the characteristics missing from the Arsenal backline, and his impressive showings with the Hammers, who are surprise top four candidates, illustrate that he has what it takes.
Further to this, the 26-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, opening the door for a cut-price move.
Fabian Schar
A long-term target for Arsenal, Schar is another potential cut-price option with his contract due to expire at the end of the season. The Swiss ace starred for his nation at the World Cup over the summer, and has been a mainstay in an impressive Basel side for some time – his performances helped his team knock Liverpool out of the Champions League at the group stage.
Virgil van Dijk
“There are plenty of clubs interested but from what I hear the asking price of Celtic is enormous.”
The Daily Record quotes the Dutchman as having said when quizzed on his future. Van Dijk is understood to be on Arsenal’s radar, with his performances in Scotland having been mightily impressive following a 2013 move to Glasgow from Groningen in his homeland. Celtic are believed to be desperate to keep their star defender, though, which may be a stumbling block this month.
Mats Hummels
The dream signing for many Gunners fans, there are some claims that Wenger is plotting a mega £63m double swoop for the German World Cup winning centre-back and team-mate Ilkay Gundogan. As unlikely as the scenario seems, there are some reasons for optimism, chiefly Dortmund’s Bundesliga woes. The yellow-clad side are currently in the division’s relegation zone after a difficult start to the campaign.
Hector Moreno
A ‘new kid on the block’ in terms of Arsenal links, the Mexico international has now emerged as a target for Wenger. Having impressed at Espanyol, the defender has been scouted by the Londoners – he helped the Barcelona-based club to keep a clean sheet against Valencia in the Copa del Rey while being analysed. Spurs are also keen on the 26-year-old.