Arsenal Target £20m Defender & DM But Face Competition From City

Arsenal's defensive improvement has been crucial to their title assault thus far and barring two freak results against City and Liverpool they have conceded just 15 goals in 24 other Premier League games this season. Mertsacker and Koscielny's partnership has, by and large, been the best in the Premier League this season and have kept Arsenal in the hunt. However, with the future of Thomas Vermaelen uncertain and heavy losses coming through a mix of fatigue, off days, lack of protection and little to no back up options Arsène Wenger is seeking defensive reinforcements to challenge Per and Laurent for a place as well as a defensive midfielder.

Mangala is a modern centre back, possessing pace, strength, range of passing and the composure on the ball Wenger likes in his defenders.

With Chelsea out of the race, having signed Zouma, Arsenal only have to compete with the financial clout of Manchester City and despite Wenger having an excellent track record with signing French players the decision may hinge on what happens in the title race.

Should Arsenal finish the season with a trophy they might just feel they have a chance of pulling out the rug from under City's feet but if they do they will need to complete the deal before the start of the World Cup as Mangala's worth may increase twice-fold if he has a good competition and then, despite the £120m cash reserves announced today, they might find it impossible to compete with City's finances.

In another attempt to steal in before City, Arsenal are rumoured to be after Fernando who may well be available on a free-transfer this summer as there are doubts over him signing an extended deal with Porto. If he is indeed an Arsenal target they may do well to attempt to sign him on a pre-contract before the season is out as the wages on offer at the benefactor clubs across Europe will certainly dwarf anything Arsenal can offer, even with the record PUMA deal.

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