Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Gunners May Turn to Bruno Manga to Fix Defensive Woes

Givemefootball.com cites a report from France Football that states Arsenal could have an interest in pursuing a deal for FC Lorient central defender Bruno Ecuele Manga.

Fiorentina is also said to be interested in Manga. If Arsene Wenger did opt for Manga to plug his leaky defense, it would be the second straight season the Gunners' boss has raided Lorient for defensive reinforcements.

Manga admirably replaced Laurent Koscielny last season, following Koscielny's transfer to Arsenal.  Koscielny endured a rough first season in North London and could be the odd man out of this campaign if, as expected, Arsenal brings in a new central defender.

Manga is an extremely aggressive defender known for his physicality. He also has sharp instincts and good positional sense, and at 6'1", Manga is very capable in the air. The 23-year-old Gabon international could be ticketed for Africa Cup of Nations duty.

Arsenal and Lorient have a good relationship involving player exchanges. A move for Manga could be smoothed over if the Gunners loan forward Carlos Vela to Lorient for the season.

So far this is just speculation; the report offers no indication of a fee or official contact between the clubs.

But if Wenger does make an inquiry, it will show he is ready to move away from mooted Premier League targets. The Arsenal chief has balked at the staggering transfer fees attached to players such as Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka this summer.