January Transfer Window: Arsene Wenger Says No to Defensive Signings

FourFourTwo.com reports that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has stated that no central defensive reinforcements will be brought in during the January transfer window.

The news may come as an unwelcome surprise to many Gunners fans, who have watched Arsenal concede 17 goals in eight Premier League fixtures so far this season—only Blackburn and Bolton have let in more.

Many are yet to be convinced by summer transfer deadline day capture Per Mertesacker. The towering German international has yet to deliver a truly standout performance since signing for the club, and has acknowledged he has yet to "fully acclimatise" to his new surroundings, ESPN Soccernet reported.

The Arsenal boss has pointed to the recent resigning of Thomas Vermaelen as ample proof that the Gunners have the numbers and quality to significantly improve in defense.

Wenger has also restated his faith in current central defenders Mertesacker, Vermaelen and the more erratic pairing Johan Djourou and Laurent Koscielny—the latter two having started against Manchester United during the 8-2, Aug. 28 shellacking.

But Vermaelen's injury record is beginning to become a major cause for concern (the Belgian has been sidelined with a successive ankle knock since late August) and neither Koscielny or Djourou have made a compelling case that they can be trusted as long-term replacements.

Behind the established foursome there is only untested youngster Ignasi Miquel and last season's flop signing, Sebastien Squillaci.

Arsenal have a history of sustaining lengthy injuries at crucial times over the course of a long campaign. Coupled with their continued deficiencies in this area, Wenger's commitment to his current defensive resources represents a major gamble.