After their humiliating loss to Manchester United, Arsenal have finally decided to make some transfer activity to strengthen their squad. Arsenal defense has come under severe scrutiny over the past few years and after the departure of left back Gael Clichy to Manchester City, Arsenal defense looks rather bleaker. Arsene Wenger has now turned his attentions to Bremen defender Per Mertesacker and Brazilian left back Andre Santos.
Arsenal to sign defender duo – Per Mertesacker and Andre Santos
Arsenal were in the market for a while for defenders. They made a bid for Bolton defender Gary Cahill which didn’t meet his valuation according to the club. Arsenal were also interested in signing Chelsea’s Alex but Juventus seems the best option for the big Brazilian, this lead Wenger to turn to other targets. He made a £6.2 million bid for Andre Santos and £8.8 million bid for Mertesacker. With both transfers likely to go through before the transfer window ends, Arsenal defense will look a good unit.
Mertesacker was in his final year of contract at Bremen and the tall 26 year old German defender sees this as a great opportunity. Metesacker who was preparing for the Euro 2012 qualifiers was given a leave by German manager Jogi Loew to complete his proposed transfer with Arsenal whereas Andre Santos will be joining Arsenal from Fenerbahce. Like all Brazilian full backs he is also an attacking fullback and has a great left foot.
Arsenal are rebuilding their squad after the departure of key players like Nasri and Fabregas. Not only defense Arsenal have made a bid for Monaco striker Park Chu-Young. Arsenal are also seeking to hijack Florent Malouda from rivals Chelsea, whose position is now under threat after the arrival of Juan Mata. After receiving huge criticism for not spending enough to bring quality players or replacements in the squad, Arsene Wenger has finally shown some positive intent in the transfer market.
Tags: Andre Santos, Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Defender, English Premier League, EPL, Per Mertesacker, Transfer Market
