MX23RW : Friday, January 3 22:12:03| >> :120:3838:3838:

Arsenal in market for defender following Per Mertesacker injury, confirms Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger admits that he will step up his search for a new centre-half after confirming that Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker will miss the rest of the year.

Arsene Wenger has admitted that he is looking to sign a defender after Per Mertesacker was ruled out of action until the end of the year.

The German centre-back suffered a knee injury during a pre-season friendly against Lens last week, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

"I don't count that Per will be back before the end of the year and I will miss him deeply, we have lost a heavyweight in our dressing room," Wenger told The Telegraph.

"I can understand the expectation level and anxiety level of our fans because they see other clubs bringing players in.

"The best way to conclude transfers is not to talk about it, but we are in the market. Do I think we will sign an experienced central defender before the season starts? Yes, I do."

Arsenal will step up their preparations for the new Premier League season with a friendly against Mexican team Chivas on Sunday.

ID:277843: cacheID:277843:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1854:
Written by
Giuseppe Labellarte
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Francis Coquelin of Arsenal in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James' Park on August 29, 2015
Read Next:
Francis Coquelin to fill in as defender?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool18143145172845
2Arsenal19116238172139
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1911442619737
4Chelsea19105438231535
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle1995532211132
6Manchester CityMan City199463226631
7Bournemouth198652923630
8Fulham197842825329
9Aston Villa198562831-329
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton196942928127
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1973941281324
12Brentford197393335-224
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham196582335-1223
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd196492126-522
15Crystal Palace194872027-720
16Everton183871524-917
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1944113142-1116
18Ipswich TownIpswich1936101833-1515
19Leicester CityLeicester1935112242-2014
20Southampton1913151239-276


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!