Arsenal are reportedly eyeing Omer Toprak and Simon Kjaer as potential targets to solve their central defensive crisis.
Sky Sports claim that, as per their sources, Arsenal are considering defenders Omer Toprak and Simon Kjaer as they continue their search of a centre-back. The Gunners are heavily depleted at the central defensive position and started with the pairing of youngster Rob Holding and Calum Chambers with heavy repercussions as Liverpool put four past Wenger’s men. Arsene said in the post-match interview that some reinforcements are expected before the window closes and Sky understand that the Frenchman is keeping an eye on the two defenders.
Sky had earlier reported that Valencia defender Shrokdan Mustafi was close to sealing a deal to move to Arsenal, but have now come out with the reports that the Gunners have lineup up Omer Toprak and Simon Kjaer as alternatives in case the deal to bring the German international falls through.
Omer Toprak has been at Bayer Leverkusen since 2011 and has amassed 103 Bundesliga appearances for the club (stats via whoscored). The 27-year-old also has 23 international caps for Turkey and would be a decent target for Wenger as the player would bring in leadership along with his sharp-eyed concentration to the team’s defence.
Simon Kjaer joined Fenerbahce last season after spending two seasons in France with Lille and was a regular feature for the Turkish club both domestically and in European competitions, appearing in 28 league matches last season (stats via whoscored). The Danish international is renowned for his tackling and is a proven threat on indirect set-pieces; which would be a welcome addition to the set of skills available at Wenger’s disposal.
The report does state that the transfer of Valencia defender Shrokdan Mustafi is the top priority for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger but the French manager wants other targets in place in case the club is unable to land the German international, as has been the case in their pursuit of other targets this summer. Wenger is desperate to add to the central defence and may decide to sign either of the two internationals in the wake of the Mustafi transfer taking too long to being completed.
