Arsene Wenger has confirmed he is likely to add at least one more signing, possibly two as he looks to further strengthen his squad ahead of the new campaign.
The depth at the back is certainly a worry. Heading into the new campaign Per Mertesacker is a doubt with the World Cup winner yet to return to training. Captain Thomas Vermaelen is ‘injured’, with speculation running rife about his future meaning the Gunners are left with just one fit established centreback in Laurent Koscielny.
Wenger understands there is a need to add another new face to the back line to supplement new boy Calum Chambers, while the Frenchman has hinted he is open to securing another two signings if a ‘good opportunity’ arises.
The Gunners boss told BT Sport after yesterday’s 5-1 Emirates Cup win over Benfica:
Who’s next? I don’t know. There could still be one signing, maximum of two. If a good opportunity comes up we might still do it, but at the moment we are not close to signing anybody.
I’m very happy with the squad I have available at the moment, but we might be a little bit short maybe at the back.
Arsenal’s front line is well stocked now thanks to the acquisition of Alexis Sanchez and the emergence of Joel Campbell and Yaya Sanogo who will be waiting in the wings for opportunities this season. It is further back where Wenger is reportedly looking to add another player – to the midfield engine room.
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William Carvalho and Sami Khedira are the most linked midfielders at present. Wenger was quizzed on the rumours linking the north London club with the Germany international, he denies launching a bid for the World Cup winner but remained his usual cryptic self and offered a coy response:
What is enquire for you? I dont know. If I read the newspapers, he is available.
There have been persistent calls for a defensive midfielder signing, however a defender should certainly be prioritized. With Vermaelen likely to be heading for the exit door, another centre back is a necessity should the captain depart.
Khedira seems a slightly odd signing considering he is more a box-to-box midfielder than a holding midfielder. Especially for the excessive wages suggested. But perhaps Wenger feels he can mould the German into the midfield enforcer we crave?
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