Mario Yepes and the Central Defenders Arsenal Can Sign as Free Agents

Although the transfer window is closed, Arsenal still need a centre-back. Fortunately for them, the rules of the window still permit them to sign a player who is classed as a free agent.

Gunners scouts will be scouring the globe in search of players eligible to join the club. However, they're wasting their time: We've done the job for them.

Go to the next slide to uncover the centre-backs Arsenal are still able to sign before the January window opens. 

Mario Yepes

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The veteran centre-half is currently out of contract and deciding on his next move. After a triumphant World Cup, it's possible he could opt to retire.

However, the offer of a chance to play in the Premier League could tempt Mario Yepes to extend his playing career. According to Sky Sports, the player is a big admirer of English football and eager to test himself in Britain.

After starring in Brazil, could Yepes get one last hurrah at Arsenal? 

Carlos Marchena

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Former Spanish international Carlos Marchena is without a club after leaving Deportivo La Coruna.

At 35, he is some way past his peak. However, his experience could prove useful as Arsenal seek to acquire some much-needed cover.

Between 2002 and 2011, Marchena won an impressive 69 caps for his country. This is a player with considerable pedigree. Given that Wenger once brought Jens Lehmann out of retirement, it's not impossible that he'll consider moving for the cultured centre-half. 

Joseph Yobo

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Just last season, Joseph Yobo was playing Premier League football with Norwich. Now, aged 34, he finds himself without a contract.

Having been released by Fenerbahce, Yobo would surely jump at the chance to join up with Arsenal, however temporarily. With over 100 international caps to his name, he'd surely offer a more effective solution at centre-back than either Nacho Monreal or Isaac Hayden. 

Diego Lugano

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Diego Lugano did not make much of an impression at West Brom, but the former Uruguay captain remains a tactically intelligent defender.

At 33, he is the youngest defender on this list and would surely feature prominently in Arsene Wenger's thoughts if he decided to dip into the market. 

Last and Probably Least...Titus Bramble

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This is the transfer nightmare that will keep Arsenal fans awake at night. If the Gunners do move for a free-agent centre-half, supporters will pray it isn't calamity-magnet Titus Bramble.

Throughout his years in the Premier League, Bramble built a reputation as a shambling disaster. It's no great surprise he now finds himself unattached. Only utter desperation would prompt Arsenal to move for Bramble.

Who do you think Arsenal should get? Let us know below.