Why Wenger should look no further than Liverpool

Many believe Arsene Wenger must strengthen his defence this summer if Arsenal are to mount a serious title challenge next season – I’m one of these people.

Despite adding Gabriel Paulista over the winter, we still lack depth in the centre-back role, with Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny being Wenger’s only other two options in this position. But some reckon that Per, now 30, is over the hill and a new, regular partner is required to play alongside Koscielny, with Gabriel not yet ready to do so.

A number of centre-backs will be made available around Europe this summer, and one that perhaps Wenger should consider snapping up is at Liverpool – Martin Skrtel, especially after the Slovakian’s latest comments.

The resolute defender has turned down Liverpool’s latest contract offer, blasting it as ‘unacceptable’, and has told the media that he’d make a move ‘anywhere’ – apart from Manchester United of course.

The 30-year-old is at a standstill over extending his stay at Anfield, and with only a year left on his current deal, Brendan Rodgers may be forced to sell the Slovakian this summer rather than risk losing him on a free at the end of next season.

And Skrtel is not ruling out the possibility of departing Liverpool this summer:

‘I can imagine a transfer to anywhere but to United, never.’

So, should Arsenal target Skrtel this summer? I believe so.

Skrtel has bags of Premier League experience under his belt, which would be a big asset to us, and is one of the finest defenders currently operating in English football.

He is a tough tackler, good in the air, both in the defensive aspect and attacking corners, and also has positional awareness.

The potential ‘Koscielny and Skrtel partnership’ would be great to see at the Emirates, and if Liverpool are willing to sell this summer, then I hope to see Arsenal in the race for his signature.