The five-month injury to Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker has prompted Arsene Wenger to expand his search for a defender.
The £2million arrival of England U20 international Rob Holding, whom scored in his second game for the club against Chivas (albeit a preseason friendly) is a good start.
It is believed that Torino’s Bruno Peres could be the answer to Arsenal’s defensive problems as the club president announced that the player would be sold at the right price, as per the Evening Standard.
Peres himself reportedly prefers a move to Arsenal in order to compete in the Premier League and perform on the biggest stage, the Champions League.
The Brazilian is predominantly a fullback that can play on either side, such versatility and experience commands a transfer fee of around £17million.
The question that remains, is Bruno Peres a player that Arsenal need? With Bellerin, Debuchy, Jenkinson, Gibbs and Monreal all expected to battle for the fullback positions it is hard to see where Peres would fit in.
The Mertesacker injury combined with Gabriel frailties, as well as the inexperience of Chambers and Holding suggests that Wenger should be conducting a search for a centre-half. Arsenal’s first game is approaching quickly and clearly, the squad is not fully prepared for what will be the most exciting Premier League season yet.
