Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Philippe Mexes Would Be Nice Late Addition for Gunners

The transfer talk has continued even though the new campaign is nearly set to begin. The latest name linked to Arsenal is AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes, who would be a good pickup for the Gunners heading into a busy season.

Arsene Wenger is looking to make a swap for Mexes with Nicklas Bendtner being sent to the powerhouse Italian club, according to the Daily Mirror. The report states the Arsenal boss has been looking to swap out the striker for awhile.

Bendtner has enjoyed moderate success throughout his time at Emirates, scoring 27 goals in a two-season span earlier in his career. But his playing time dwindled in recent years before being sent out on loan to Sunderland last season.

So it makes sense that Wenger would attempt to cash in on him instead of letting him lose even more value. The Gunners are in need of defensive depth heading into a season where the Champions League will be added to an already busy schedule.

Mexes was very successful during his time with Roma, but upon making a high-profile move to Milan he frequently became the odd man out. He made just 13 appearances in league play, which probably wasn't what he was expecting.

Both players are in a situation where finding a new home would be the best option to rejuvenate their stalled careers. Milan is in search of depth up front and the back line is the only area Wenger hasn't addressed during his busy summer.

The longtime manager has already added Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski to boost an attack that was far too inconsistent last season. And Robin van Persie also remains on the roster despite a summer of question marks surrounding his future.

Mexes would give the Gunners a boost at every level of the formation with the opener set for Saturday against Sunderland. Arsenal will be looking to get off to a quick start after some struggles to begin the last campaign.

Adding a veteran, versatile defender like Mexes would give Wenger plenty of options at the back to go a long with Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny. It would also protect the team from the inevitable injuries that will arise throughout the season.

And since the only thing being lost in the deal is Bendtner, a player who didn't have a clear path the playing time anyway, it's hard to find fault in attempting to improve the back line.

After last season's disappointing transfer window, Wenger has done a nice job of turning the tables in Arsenal's favor this summer. Mexes would be another wise addition, even if he doesn't generate much hype.