Arsenal in the market for two defenders

Arsenal are looking to add two new defenders to their squad before the transfer deadline, and AS Monaco’s Marcel Tisserand is a target, according to reports in France.

France Football is reporting that Arsenal are looking to bring in two new defenders before the transfer window closes in two weeks’ time, with Monaco’s 23-year-old versatile defender Marcel Tisserand emerging as a target.

Tisserand spent last season on loan at Toulouse, and is able to play as either a centre-back or right-back.

The Gunners are known to be in the market for defensive reinforcements this summer amid an injury crisis which has seen their back line decimated by long term injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista.

The opening day 4-3 defeat to Liverpool at the Emirates highlighted Arsenal’s defensive frailties, and has hastened the club’s search of signings in that department.

Manager Arsene Wenger has identified Valencia’s Shkodran Mustafi as his primary target, with the Spanish club willing to sell in order to comply with the Financial Fair Play regulatons, as long as their valuation of €30 million is met.

However, the Gunner appear to be unwilling to meet that figure for the 24-year-old German World Cup winner, and reports from yesterday claim that they have even made a £12 million offer for West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans, which the Baggies have rejected.