Three defenders on Wenger’s radar on deadline day.
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has identified three main defensive targets to come in and shore up his backline on transfer deadline day, according to the Daily Mirror‘s John Cross.
Writing on a live blog for deadline day, Cross revealed that Arsenal have made enquiries over two Premier League-based centre-backs to come in and provide more depth at the back, with the Gunners currently looking short of options in that position after selling Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona earlier this summer.
An injury to Laurent Koscielny in yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Leicester City exposed Arsenal’s lack of depth in central defence, though youngster Calum Chambers put in an assured display alongside Per Mertesacker at the King Power Stadium.
Still, a defender looks like being Arsenal’s priority in the next few hours, with these three players top of Wenger’s list for deadline day:
3) Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa)
A rock-solid centre-back, Ron Vlaar is believed to be in Arsene Wenger’s sights after a fine couple of seasons at Aston Villa and some assured displays for the Netherlands national team at this summer’s World Cup. Manchester United have also been linked with Vlaar this summer, but he could now be Emirates Stadium-bound in a late twist in the summer transfer window.
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2) Matija Nastasic (Manchester City)
After a difficult season at Manchester City last term, Matija Nastasic looks to have fallen out of favour with Manuel Pellegrini, particularly with the exciting new signing of promising young French centre-back Eliaquim Mangala. Arsenal are known to be keen on Nastasic, but there is currently some disagreement over his transfer fee that could threaten to derail the move. Still, it is thought that talks could continue today if a move for the likes of Vlaar do not work out for the Gunners.
1) Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Borussia Dortmund)
Finally, Arsenal have also held talks with Borussia Dortmund over the possible signing of Greek international defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos. The 26-year-old is likely to be a backup player for the Bundesliga giants this season despite some fine form for the club last term, and talks are ongoing today as the Gunners look to thrash out a deal. There is some disagreement over a fee and the player’s wages, but Sokratis is another who could be heading to north London before the end of the summer.
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