As if losing two points late on in a top of the table clash with Manchester City wasn’t destructive enough for Arsenal, the Gunners also limped out of the 2-2 draw with Mathieu Debuchy hobbling to the treatment table to join a whole host of his defensive team-mates.
It already looks as if Arsene Wenger’s inability to snap up a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen could prove to be costly, with the Londoners down to just five first-team defenders – Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Calum Chambers, Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs. The Frenchman is said to be ready to raid his youth teams for quick cover, but he could delve back into the transfer market, where a few diamonds in the rough are still available.
So with that in mind, here are seven defenders Arsenal could still sign. We’ll warn you, beggars can’t be choosers…
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CLICK ON A STRESSED ARSENE WENGER TO REVEAL THE LIST
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Joseph Yobo
After a disastrous loan stint with Norwich at the back end of last season, Fenerbahce elected to release the Nigerian veteran. However, Yobo proved that he still has a few miles left in the tank with some composed displays at the World Cup, where he helped the Super Eagles make it to the last 16 – a feat England cannot brag of.
The 34-year-old boasts a wealth of Premier League experience after nine seasons with Everton earlier in his career, and could provide cover at the heart of the Gunners’ backline until January.
Diego Lugano
Although he had a difficult season at West Brom last time out, Lugano may well be the pick of the defensive freebies on the market. The former Uruguay captain starred at the World Cup over the summer and boasts the 2011 Copa America among his list of honours, making him a potentially tempting short-term option.
Lugano is still only 33, so Arsenal may be able to get another season out of him should Wenger be willing to take a punt. But be warned he is slooooooow.
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Oguchi Onyewu
Injuries have plagued the American’s career, with spells at AC Milan, Malaga and Sporting Lisbon having all been disrupted by fitness issues. Onyewu spent some of last season at Sheffield Wednesday and has been tipped for a return to his homeland to see out his career in the MLS, but Wenger could make a surprise swoop for him… after all, the Gunners were linked with Nikola Zigic not so long ago!
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Anthony Reveillere
With both full-back positions a concern, Reveillere could be an option worth considering. The Frenchman was playing at the highest level with Napoli last season, which illustrates his pedigree, while he has also won five Ligue 1 titles in a solid career.
The 34-year-old can play on either side of the backline to provide cover and can still do a job when called upon.
Carlos Marchena
Marchena may be slower than ever, but he would bring experience and versatility in the short-term for Arsenal. The big Spaniard has been a La Liga regular for much of the last decade with spells at Valencia, Villarreal and Deportivo La Coruna – the latter have been in the Segunda Division of late – and even has a 2010 World Cup winner’s medal among his collection – albeit he was merely a squad member.
Also capable in defensive midfield, there are worse options out there…
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Titus Bramble
We’re only joking… or are we?
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William Gallas
A former Gunner, Gallas is without a club after a tough time in Australia. He may no longer have the athleticism he once boasted, but there’s no denying that the Frenchman was a top class Premier League performer in his day. That nous should not have left him just yet, making the 37-year-old a faint possibility.
