Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Wayne Bridge to Uphold Gunners' Backline?

Amid injuries suffered to Arsenal's defense, Arsene Wenger is reportedly considering a bid for Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge, according to Soccer News. 

Arsenal's defense has suffered a plague of injuries as of late, and Kiernan Gibbs has now joined Johan Djourou, Andre Santos, Carl Jenkinson and Bacary Sagna on Arsenal's list of injured defenders. 

Gibbs, Arsenal's left-back, has not played since October due to an operation related to a hernia and recently suffered a disappointing setback to his injury recovery this past weekend. 

Bridge, who has played in the Premier League for 11 years, has been playing with Manchester City since the 2008-09 season after a six-year stint with Chelsea. 

The 31-year-old left-back played with the English national team from 2002-09 and earned 36 caps. He has yet to play in the Premier League for Man City this year but started a Carling Cup match against Birmingham. 

Manchester City has used the Southampton native sparsely in the past two seasons, as Bridge has only appeared in eight games during that time span. 

Bridge was shipped out a year ago to West Ham United on a six-month loan, and Arsenal is most likely to sign him on loan as well. 

The deal would work out well for both teams.

Arsenal because they are in desperate need of a defender to hold down the backline; Manchester City because they aren't getting very much use out of him this year. 

Bridge is very skilled with the ball at his feet and has been known to deliver a great cross, which was grounds for him to be pushed up to midfield to balance England's left-sided weakness when qualifying for the 2006 World Cup. 

One of Bridge's main issues is his one-footedness, which has limited his performance and capacity during his career. 

Due to his status as a converted defender, Bridge's defensive abilities have been questioned. He is also not the quickest man on the pitch.

Nevertheless, Arsenal is in desperate need of a decent defender, and although Wayne Bridge isn't the most prestigious option, he could hold the Gunners out while their injured defenders are stuck in recovery. 

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