Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Gunners Mull Move for Newcastle's Jose Enrique

The Metro speculates that Arsene Wenger may look to capitalise on the fact that Jose Enrique's existing deal with Newcastle, only has 12 months left to run.

A battle-tested Premier League player like Enrique would be the perfect replacement at fullback for Arsenal's own contract rebel, Gael Clichy.  The French international's form has dipped dramatically during the last three seasons, and he now seems intent on a move away from North London. 

The chance to quickly draft in a cheap replacement under similar circumstances, may be too good to resist for a bargain hunter like Arsene Wenger.

Most of the attempts to repair Arsenal's suspect back line have focused on shoring up the middle, but Arsene Wenger cannot afford to overlook the weaknesses at fullback.  Both Clichy and Bacary Sagna can be guilty of failing to track back quickly enough on occasion. 

Defensively, Clichy is frequently caught out of position.  He can often inexplicably be seen taking up a spot in midfield while an opposing winger exploits the chasm of space down Arsenal's left flank. 

Jose Enrique is a physical and composed defender who has consistently produced sound displays on the left side of Newcastle's defense.  Stronger in the tackle than Clichy as well as being useful in the air, Enrique would add much needed solidity to the left back position.

The combative Spaniard possesses decent technique and is comfortable going forward, a minimum requirement for fullbacks in Arsene Wenger's system.  A move for Enrique would represent a safer option for Arsenal than relying on youngster Kieran Gibbs to fill Clichy's shoes. 

Although a talented and dynamic presence going forward, Gibbs has yet to prove he can stay healthy long enough to have a real impact in the Arsenal first team.

Enrique's brand of accomplished and considered defending could be brought to left back and then supplemented by the arrival of an aerially dominant central defender.  If so, Arsene Wenger could be close to restoring one of Arsenal's hallmarks.