Arsenal Transfer Rumors: 5 Defenders Linked to the Gunners

Recent league matches seemed to indicate that Arsenal's defense was finally stabilizing, but Arsenal's 4-0 loss to AC Milan today has shown that, unfortunately for Gunners fans, Arsenal's defense is still very fragile.

Kieran Gibbs went missing in Arsenal's defense before his substitution, and he does not look like he'll ever reach the level Gael Clichy reached while at Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Johan Djourou looked very weak after coming on near halftime for Laurent Koscielny. A clumsy tackle from him gave Zlatan Ibrahimovic a penalty that he scored to crush Arsenal's morale and practically end all hopes of an Arsenal comeback in the match or even in the second leg.

And Arsenal's defensive problems don't just stop there.

Andre Santos has been injured, but while he's looked to be a great offensive weapon for Arsenal, his defense was suspect when he was included in the Gunners' starting lineup.

Similarly, Carl Jenkinson never really looked like a capable replacement for Bacary Sagna at right-back, and his injury probably helped him escape from the poor reviews he was receiving.

Many have said that all Arsenal need to improve their defense is a good defensive coach, and I'm inclined to agree. But Wenger has already ruled this out, and knowing how stubborn he can be, it's unlikely that anything will make him change his mind on the issue.

Thus, it seems that Arsenal's only option is to bring in the best defenders they can find. With that in mind, let's look at five defenders who Arsenal could bring in and benefit from.

Jan Vertonghen

Jan Vertonghen has been mentioned as an Arsenal target since last summer, but unfortunately for Arsenal fans, the Gunners have missed out on his signature for two transfer windows now.

Still, Vertonghen remains very high on every Gunners fan's wish list, as they dream of Vertonghen lining up alongside fellow Belgian international and former Ajax teammate Thomas Vermaelen.

Recently, Vertonghen has been linked with Spurs in addition to Arsenal, but if Arsenal really want the Belgian, I doubt he'd pick Spurs over the Gunners, unless the Gunners missed out on the Champions League.

With his ability to play as a left-back as well as a centre-back, Vertonghen would be an excellent addition to Arsenal's defensive options. He's also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, giving Arsenal more options at that position, as well.

Adrian Mariappa

On deadline day, Adrian Mariappa was a surprise name discussed in the press, as a number of clubs—including Arsenal—attempted to sign him or were linked to him before the deadline passed.

In the end, Mariappa stayed at Watford, rejecting a move to Wigan in hopes of a bigger opportunity coming along in the summer.

Arsenal could provide Mariappa with that opportunity. Mariappa isn't as well-known and rated as some of the other names on this list, but he has tons of experience in English football and is versatile enough to play as a centre-back or right-back.

Additionally, logic would dictate that he can't be too expensive if Wigan were able to afford him. No offense to Wigan, but they're a small club who can't really afford to spend too much on anyone, let alone a defender.

I'd have to watch a lot more of him to endorse his signing, but he is a player to consider for Wenger.

Christopher Samba

Christopher Samba is another defender who's been heavily linked with Arsenal over the past two transfer windows.

In fact, after Samba handed in a transfer request and claimed he wanted a "divorce" from Blackburn Rovers, many thought that Samba was definitely set for a move to either Paris Saint-Germain, Spurs or Arsenal.

Yet, no transfer bid from any of the three teams was reported, and despite Samba's pleas, Steve Kean and Blackburn Rovers decided that they'd force Samba to continue with Blackburn.

But, after Samba skipped a training and a reserve fixture, Blackburn may want to consider cashing in on him before he becomes useless to the club.

Even if Samba does return to the club, it's hard to imagine him playing at his best if he's not committed to staying with the club. As unfortunate as it may sound, when a player no longer wishes to play for a particular club, he becomes fairly useless to that team.

Arsenal have been lacking muscle in their defense, and Samba could provide the Gunners with just that.

Additionally, if Arsenal fail to recruit a striker in the summer, they could use Samba as RVP's backup, since Samba has played as a striker for Blackburn in the past.

(Only kidding on that last point. Well...sort of, anyway.)

Aly Cissokho

As I mentioned at the start of this slideshow, Gael Clichy's left-back position has yet to be properly filled.

Kieran Gibbs continues to struggle with injuries and his development has slowed significantly as a result. Meanwhile, although Andre Santos is an effective attacking left-back, his defense leaves much to be desired.

If neither defender is able to step up and perform consistently before the end of the season, Aly Cissokho may be the defender Arsene Wenger turns to.

Wenger reportedly wanted to bring Cissokho on loan to Arsenal this past January, but Lyon were only interested in a permanent deal. This summer, Wenger should be able to offer that permanent deal, with income from the club's Champions League and league campaigns.

Cissokho is still very young (24), and he could really add much-needed crosses and attacking creativity down the left flank. Like Santos, his offense is better than his defense, but at 24, he still has enough time to improve in the latter respect, as well.

Raul Albiol

Raul Albiol is pretty clearly out of favor at Real Madrid.

He's made only 10 appearances in all competitions this season, and only two starts in Real Madrid's 22 league matches thus far.

However, he still receives call-ups to Spain's national team, and, ironically, Real Madrid have won every single game in which he's played this season.

Arsenal have shown interest in Albiol in the past, and at only 26 years old, he is still very much in his prime.

Considering his status as Real Madrid's fifth-choice centre-back behind Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho and Raphael Varane, it's unlikely that Albiol would cost too much.

Yet he could prove to be a great asset in the center of defense for Wenger and the Gunners.