Arsene Wenger confirmed yesterday the club are in the market for a defender as well as a midfielder to replace Alex Song.
So who could they go for? Here are three players Arsenal have been linked with this month who could be on the club who could be on their shopping list.
M’Bengue himself revealed Arsenal’s interest over the weekend, and said he would be open to a move. The defender told French newspaper L’Equipe ‘I had not planned to leave, I have two year contract. But Arsenal, it can not be refused if everyone is benefiting.’ So who is he? M’Bengue plays for Toulouse and is 24. Despite being born in Toulouse he plays his international football for Senegal, making his debut last year. He is a left-back but can also play at centre-back. There are two things counting against a deal for the player; Toulouse being unwilling to sell – publicly at least, and Arsenal being well stocked at left-back with Gibbs and Santos. A central defender or a right-back would be a more pressing priority.
Phillipe Mexes has been linked with joining Arsenal as part of a swap deal with AC Milan for Nicklas Bendtner. It would be good for the club to finally get the Danish striker off their books, and they would get back an experienced international centre-back in part-exchange. Mexes is reported to be unsettled in Italy, having a falling out with the club during their pre-season tour of the USA, and is said to be looking to move on. Counting against him is his age and the consideration he may be past his prime, but a quick fix he would be and one which would not cost a lot of money. A league champion in Italy with Milan, he could add a winner’s mentality to the Arsenal squad and crucial experience in the run-in.
Montpellier captain Yanga-Mbiwa played alongside Olivier Giroud last season and may yet be reunited with him. The 23-year-old won his first international cap for France this summer and is ranked as one of the country’s brightest defensive prospects. The fact which appeals so much about the defender is his versatility, while predominantly a centre-back, he is able to play anywhere across the back line. This is exactly what Arsenal need right now, a problem solver to fill in and fix any gaps due to injuries, form, and suspension, while furthering his own career. Arsenal were reported to be in talks with his club last month, and the defender told France Football earlier this month he would welcome a move. If Arsenal have re-prioritised and have fresh money to spend in light of their recent sales, Yanga-Mbiwa could well be Wenger’s target. AC Milan are interested but no deal has been struck and the defender remains available.
Are any of these three the answer for Arsenal? Who would you sign?
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