Arsenal Transfer Prospects: The Five Best Replacements for William Gallas

After missing the deadline to confirm his future at Arsenal, former captain William Gallas is certain to be somewhere other than the Emirates in 2010-11. Arsenal tabled a one-year offer for the veteran French defender, but he denied the contract, suggesting he would rather have a wealthier and longer contract.

Arsene Wenger has been uninterested in signing the former Chelsea man for longer than a season, and it now looks increasingly likely that Gallas will depart via a free transfer. This conundrum now ensures Wenger will need to find a quality replacement for his defensive leader.

Gallas struck up an impressive central defensive partnership with Thomas Vermaelen last season before injury intervened and Arsenal began to crumble. Arsenal does have Johan Djourou returning from a serious leg injury that saw him play half an hour in the whole of 2009-10. However, Mikael Silvestre and Philippe Senderos are more than likely to follow in Gallas's footsteps, and with the future of Sol Campbell still unclear, Wenger needs to buy.

Fortunately Wenger has money to spend, which makes the task of finding a replacement easier.

1. Gary Cahill-Bolton, £10-15 million

The 24-year-old has been a reliable presence in the Bolton defence, and although the Trotters struggled at times last campaign, Cahill's efforts have not gone unnoticed. 

Blessed with speed and strength, the Englishman would suit the Arsenal play and would surely strike up an impressive duo with Thomas Vermaelen. Bolton are eager to keep their defensive gem, but if the correct offer is tabled, then a huge sigh of relief would come for Wenger and fans.

2. Steven Taylor-Newcastle, £5-11 million

The 24-year-old is entering his final contracted year with Newcastle, so it could seem a wise move for the Magpies to offload their impressive centre half. Taylor is strong and aggressive in defence and also decisive on set plays. The London born defender showed glimpses of his defensive prowess last season before injury hampered his form.

Taylor is experienced and has the potential to embark up the road to glory. Alongside the likes of Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, and Thomas Vermaelen in the Arsenal defence, the Englishman would surely thrive.

3. Simon Kjaer-Palmero, £12 million

The Danish defender is touted with a move to the Premier League, it's just a matter of which club. With the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal all interested in the 21-year-old, Kjaer is set for a promising future in the Premier League. Boasting impressive power and aerial ability, the Danish international would be a welcome replacement and addition to the Arsenal roster.

4. Pape Diakhate-Saint Etienne, £8-12 million

Bacary Sagna has urged Wenger to sign the Senegalese defender as soon as possible. The 25-year-old is a doughty defender with destructive tackling and strong awareness. A relatively cheap option with imposing strength, Diakhate would be a valid solution.

5. Neven Subotic-Borussia Dortmund, £8-14 million

The imposing Serbian defender has been in form for German giants Borussia Dortmund and, at 21, there is still growing space for Subotic. The doughty defender has been linked with the Gunners on a number of occasions, and the Serbian has all the traits to become a quality defender.

He is tall and imposing at 6'4'', and is blessed with aggression and pace. Furthermore, he would add much-needed depth to the Arsenal backline.