Mertesacker Replacement? Arsenal "Open Talks" To Sign Powerful 6ft 2 Tall CB - Not Mustafi

In the last five or so years, Arsenal's main problem has always been the lack of quality striker and the key defensive errors our defenders have always made. Although last season the defense showed considerably improvement but they still managed to concede silly goals due to individual defensive errors. With Gabriel Paulista in particular being guility of several silly defensive errors.

And with Per Mertesacker now injured and reportedly out for the next five months, Arsenal certainly could do with the signing of another centre back. Never mind the fact that we have Rob Holding, Koscielny, Chambers and Gabriel to call upon. Number wise, we are not short but quality wise, we are very short. This is why it is not surprising that we have been linked with the signing of various centre backs ever since it was revealed  Mertesacker will miss up to five months of action.

Shkodran Mustafi in particular has constantly been linked with a move to the Emirates in the last few days. However, Arsenal in their usual fashion seems to be looking at another centre back and not Mustafi. Often times when the media is busy linking Arsenal to the signing of a particular player, Wenger ends up going for someone else. Almost like Wenger deliberately used the media to distract attention from Arsenal's main targets.

To this end, highly very reliable Russian journalist Artur Petrosyan, has confirmed Arsenal have made contract with Zenit CB Nicolas Lombaerts' agent with a view of bringing the player to the Emirates this summer. According to Artur Petrosyan, Arsenal are yet to make a bid but with the club making contact with the player's agent, could it be that Wenger is keen on signing Nicolas Lombaerts rather than Mustafi?

Arsenal are interested in Belgium and Zenit CB Nicolas Lombaerts. No calls from Wenger, but his agent has been contacted by the club.

— Artur Petrosyan (@arturpetrosyan) August 1, 2016

However, it is surprising that Arsenal could be interested in signing another 31 year old especially as Koscielny is already 30 and Per Mertesacker will clock 32 in September. One would think we would go for someone younger and not another 30+ centre back.

Could it then be that Wenger is interested in signing the Zenith St Petersburg player because he is available for cheap as that will then allow him sign both a striker and a wing forward? This in my opinion is very possible especially considering the fact that we have both Rob Holding and Calum Chambers and do not really need another young centre back.

Wenger also recently confirmed we are in the market for an experienced centre back. Could that be Nicolas Lombaerts? If Arsenal scouts believe Lombaerts is good enough, then we have to trust them absolutely and it will even be sweeter if signing the 31-year-old allows us to bring in a striker and a wing forward. Those two are much more important as fact as I am concerned especially as Monreal can play as a centre back as well.