Arsenal Transfer Prospects: Which Defender Should Arsene Wenger Target?

As another trophy-less season comes to a close for the youthful Arsenal, Arsene Wenger now turns his attention to the Summer transfer window. Wenger has vowed to spend money on quality players and is excited about the prospect of purchasing.

Arsenal main problem is undoubtedly their defence. With William Gallas likely to leave North London for 2009/2010 and Phillippe Senderos expressing great interest in staying with Milan plus Silvestre really has no place at Arsenal. Arsenal will need to seriously find a quality central defender.

Here are my thoughts.

1. Brede Hangeland-Fulham: £10-15 millon

The Fulham and Norwegian defender is what all defences need, a solid, reliable rock. The Norwegian international has been rumoured to on top of Wengers shopping list and many people can see why. He is exactly what the Arsenal squad needs.

He brings strength, leadership, experience and a cool head to the Arsenal backline. Fulham have said that Hangeland will be kicking balls at Craven Cottage in 2009/2010 but we will wait and see.

2.Joleon Lescott-Everton: £8-13 million

The no nonsense, versatile Englishmen has shown great defending attributes whilst at Everton at its no surprise to see the 26 year old wanted by many top clubs. Wenger has expressed interest in signing the former Wolverhapton Wolve center half but it would take alot for David Moyes to let his England international leave the Merseyside.

Lescott is solid and versatile, he is able to play anywhere in the backline and if needed the midfield. He would look stunning in the red and white but its unlikely he would leave after recently saying he is staying at Everton.

3. Sébastien Bassong-Newcastle: £5-10 million

The Frenchmen would fit into Arsenal youthful squad nicely, at 22 the defender has already played over a 100 games of professional football. Bassong is reliable and strong in the air. He would be an easy target for Wenger as he would be eager to join a club in the Premier League as his side, Newcastle were relegated.

He would not be out of place in the Arsenal squad and I believe Wenger should seriously consider signing the former Metz center half.

4. Thomas Vermaelen-Ajax: £10-16 million

Another talented defender who would not be out of place at North London, the Belgium international is a tall, imposing defender who is solid of set plays. At the age of 23 he has played over a 100 games of professional football.

Rumour has it that the Ajax man is set to join Arsenal for 2009/2010 which would be a great buy for Arsenal.

5. Cédric Mongongu-AS Monaco: £3-8 million

An extremely promising teenager with a big future. The DR Congo teenager may be young but he would be a tremendous addition to the Arsenal squad. You can help but wonder how far the youngster could go under the watchful eye of Arsene Wenger.

6. Didier Digard-Middlesbrough: £5-9 million

A defensive midfielder who can play in the back line. The 22 year old would be another easy swoop as his side, Middlesbrough are playing Championship football next season. Though he is more suited to the midfield the talented Frenchmen is similar to Alexandre Song and can play as a center half.

7. Raul Albiol-Valencia: £11-20 million

An immensely talented and experienced defender who would be a huge buy for Arsenal. Albiol is versatile, solid and has a very good footballing brain. He is currently targeted by a number of clubs.

Albiol can play in the midfield or the defensive line and would solve a lot of Arsenal's defensive woes.

8. Julio César Cáceres López-Boca Juniors: £7-12 million

The strong Paraguayan would be a worthy addition to Arsenal. He is experienced, tough and smart. He would suit nicely to the physicality of the English league.

9. Edson Braafheid-FC Twente: £6-11 million

The Dutch international is wanting buy a few clubs and I think Arsenal should join the list. Braafheid is solid and competitive plus strong in the air. Rumour has it he would like to play in the Premier League and he would no doubt strengthen the Arsenal defence.

10. Micah Richards-Manchester City: £12-18 million

A very talented youngster who has already proven himself at City. Richards supported Arsenal as a boy and has said he will play for the Gunners one day. Richards would be expensive but I think worth it as he is solid, consistent and quick around the park.

These men would help with Arsenal defensive woes but we will have to see who Wenger attempts to purchase.