- Arsene Wenger has admitted he needed to sign a defender this January
- The Arsenal boss concedes his side look short of quality at the back
- This follows rumours of interest in West Brom centre-back Jonny Evans
- READ MORE: Arsenal news: Wenger on possible signing, issues Ozil challenge and explains unpopular exit
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has expressed some regret at failing to sign a new defender following links with Jonny Evans during the January transfer window.
The Gunners are not on the best run of form at the moment after a shock 3-1 defeat away to Swansea City, and could do with being more solid at the back after leaking goals in a worrying manner at the Liberty Stadium.
Speaking after the transfer window closed earlier this week, Wenger has admitted it’s a regret of his that he could not add to his options in defence this winter.
The Frenchman says he’ll now try his best to adapt and work with the players he has, which could mean more appearances for Mohamed Elneny in a new defensive role, having previously been used mostly in midfield until recently.
‘Our defensive numbers aren’t good enough,’ Wenger is quoted in the Metro. ‘We needed strengthening because we have to improve our defensive numbers to make the top four.
‘I will adapt to the difficulties we face and must see how the idea I have works. We are flexible – we can play with a back three or four.’
One of Wenger’s top targets seemed to be West Brom defender Jonny Evans, with the Sun claiming he could have moved if his club had received a bid of £27million for him this January.
That never materialised, however, with Alan Pardew yesterday confirming the offer Arsenal came in with was not good enough.
In the end, Arsenal did well in difficult circumstances this January, losing Alexis Sanchez, Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Francis Coquelin, but bringing in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.