Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Must Swap Nicklas Bendtner for Philippe Mexes

Arsenal is preparing to swap Nicklas Bendtner for AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes, according to talkSport.

TalkSport’s reports are echoing news from the Italian press that is suggesting talks have already begun to facilitate the swap.

Mexes, 30, is allegedly parting ways with Milan after withdrawing from the club’s U.S. preseason tour in order to be home with his pregnant wife.

According to the Mirror, France national coach Didier Deschamps allegedly acknowledged Mexes is on the move.

“I know Philippe well and he is part of the wider France squad. What is happening to him? I don’t know if he will leave Milan, as there is a particular situation going on with his club.”

There isn’t a certainty from Deschamps comment, but it is helpful. The situation he is referring to is likely Mexes’ withdrawal from the previously mentioned U.S. preseason tour.

The deal would be the latest in a summer full of wheeling and dealing by club manager Arsene Wenger. Wenger has been linked to Mexes in the past. Last summer, Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid were linked to bringing in the French defender before he settled with AC Milan.

He’s also found a perfect opportunity to move striker Nicklas Bendtner who spent last season on loan with Sunderland. Bendtner may be able to fill a void left in the AC Milan attack after Zlatan Ibrahimovic left for Paris Saint-Germaine this summer.

It’s looking more and more like this time around may yield results for Wenger’s desire to bolster his defense with the Frechmen’s services.

Last summer, Per Mertesacker was thought to be a solid addition last season to a suspect Gunners defense. However, he didn’t exactly encourage with his performance, and the addition of Mexes would be well-received by the Gunner faithful.

This move would be a key addition as it would help bolster the defense in the midst of a summer of offensive tinkering and improvements.

Follow me on Twitter @BigHoagowski