Arsenal to swoop for Belgian defender

Arsenal are looking at Zenit Saint Petersburg defender Nicolas Lombaerts as a possible winter reinforcement after losing numerous defenders through injury.

Arsene Wenger is apparently interested in the player as he bears several similarities to current Arsenal vice-captain Thomas Vermaelen.

Like Vermaelen, Lombaerts is a left footed player, with the ability to play at both centre and left back. He is said to be a good defender who can also score occasional goals. His impressive performances have led Zenit to the Champions League knockout phase.

Arsenal are currently missing all their fullbacks due to injury with Kieran Gibbs, Andre Santos, Carl Jenkinson and Bacary Sagna out injured.

However, Wenger apparently does not see the need to strengthen the right side of his defence as Johan Djourou and Laurent Koscielny have both done well in that position.

But with Andre Santos injured for three months, and Kieran Gibbs suffering from recurrent injury problems, Wenger is believed to want a left sided player who can step in for them when required, allowing Vermaelen to play in the centre of defense.

Although Lombaerts will be cup tied having played for Zenit in the Champions League, Arsenal scouts believe that he will have a lot to contribute in the Premier League.

Arsenal will test Zenit's resolve in the winter with a £10 million plus bonuses package for their star defender.