Arsene Wenger has revealed he is prepared to sign a defender in the winter transfer window, should the right player come along.
The Gunners coach spent around £75million during the summer, including £12million on Newcastle United fullback Mathieu Debuchy and young Southampton star Calum Chambers. The latter is able to operate on the right of the back four or in the heart of the defence, where he has lined up alongside Per Mertesacker or Laurent Koscielny when either has been absent.
It is fairly evident that the Emirates Stadium club remain short in this area, and Wenger admits he will look to address this issue when the window reopens in just 10 days time. Speaking ahead of the trip to Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, the French coach said: “If we find one (central defender) then we will do it. Without any doubt, if we can find the right player then we will do it.”
Tyrone Mings, the Ipswich Town youngster, has been linked with a move to the FA Cup holders in recent weeks. Whilst the 21-year-old has been starring for the Tractor Boys as a left fullback, he stands at 6ft 3in and it is believed Wenger sees him as a future centre-half. Having made his debut on the final day of the 2012-13 season, the £8million-rated youngster has now made 37 appearances.
Another player who is believed to have come under the radar at Arsenal is Winston Reid. The New Zealand international has been plying his trade in London since joining West Ham United in 2010, and he has gone on to play more than 100 times in the Premier League. The 26-year-old is out of contract in the summer, although Sam Allardyce insists he would only sell in January for £20million.
Virgil van Dijk has also been mooted as a potential signing. The 23-year-old joined Scottish giants Celtic for just £2.6million in the summer of 2013, and went on to be named as the club’s Player of the Year in his debut season. The former Holland Under-21 international, who has yet to be capped at full level, was said to be interesting Wenger in the summer, and would cost around £10million.
Meanwhile, the Daily Star claim the Gunners will increase their interest in Morgan Schneiderlin in the New Year. The France international, part of Didier Deschamps’ World Cup squad in Brazil, was wanted by Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, but Southampton refused to sell. It is believed that Wenger is now determined to beat his rivals for his compatriot, who is valued at £20million.
Mings, Reid, or van Dijk – who would be the perfect fit for Arsenal? Let us know what you think by joining in with the discussion below.
