Wenger Silent on Pursuit of Mertesacker
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger knows he needs to strengthen his team's central defence, but he has refused to comment on the club's reported pursuit of German centre-half Per Mertesacker.
French veterans William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre have already left Arsenal this summer, with Swiss defender Philippe Senderos doing the same.
Silvestre, a stand-in defender that proved a liability during his two-season spell at Arsenal, could switch to another Premier League club, while Gallas is reported to be looking for a new club outside the UK.
Senderos, meanwhile, joined local rivals Fulham in June after his seven-year spell at the club never saw his talent fully blossom.
In addition, returning veteran Sol Campbell was offered a one-year extension to his contract, the kind Wenger typically awards players over 30, but turned it down for a move to Newcastle United.
Now, Wenger can only choose from Laurent Koscielny, a recent signing, and Johan Djourou to partner Thomas Vermaelen in defence next season. There is a clear need to add one or two central defenders to the squad.
After pursuing Everton's Phil Jagielka but reportedly having a £14 million bid turned down by the club earlier in the summer, Wenger has now been reported to be scouting for Werder Bremen's Mertesacker.
Mertesacker Experienced at 25
Mertesacker, 25, has 69 international caps for Germany, the last seven of which came during the recent world cup in South Africa. He played a crucial part in Germany's stable defence in that tournament.
At 6ft 6in, Mertesacker towers over most teammates and opponents, and poses a strong aerial threat at set pieces. He is also known to give away few fouls, relying on clever positioning to disrupt attacks rather than physical challenges.
When asked about his reported interest in the defender after Arsenal's 3–2 win over Celtic in the Emirates Cup on Sunday, Wenger declined to comment.
Apparently irritated at the constant transfer speculation in the press, Wenger said he would not be discussing any players by name with regard to potential transfers to the club.
"I wouldn't like to comment on names because it raises the price straightaway 50 per cent," he explained to the journalists that had gathered.
But no matter how little the Arsenal boss would like to discuss it in the open, there is a clear need for him to strengthen his defensive line, particularly in light of this summer's departures.
Clear Need to Strengthen Defence
It was a series of defensive mistakes that put an end to Arsenal's title hopes late in the 2009/2010 season, and the inconsistency of his team's back line, especially in decisive games, has been the key factor behind the club's disappointing record in recent seasons.
Arsenal last won a trophy in 2005, when Manchester United were defeated on penalties in the FA Cup final. In July, Wenger signed Polish defender Koscielny from Ligue 1 side Lorient for £10m.
With any luck, Koscielny could prove to have as good a first season at the club as Vermaelen had in the 2009/2010 season. In only one year, the Belgian has become the clear first choice in Arsenal's defence.
But in case Koscielny struggles to settle in, or if injuries plague any of his three central defenders, Wenger must have another option.
The club is said to be interested in Italian side Udinese's Cristian Zapata, who will likely become Arsenal's primary transfer target if the deal with Mertesacker fails to materialize.
Zapata, who represents Colombia internationally, is a versatile player who can adjust to playing anywhere in the defensive four. He joined Udinese in 2005 from Deportivo Cali in Colombia.
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