Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits the club need reinforcement at the back and potentially up front following Sunday’s defeat to Manchester City.

 

Stopper Johan Djourou picked up a groin injury against City which is set to rule him out for three weeks, further depleting Wenger’salready thin options in defence.

The Gunners are thought to be monitoring a host of defenders ahead of the transfer window reopening in January, with Ajax ace Jan Vertonghen among those believed to be on their radar.

With attackers Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh set to feature in the Africa Cup of Nations, Arsenalcould also be left short of options up front.

Highly-rated Lyon forward Yoann Gourcuff is reportedly a target, having been repeatedly linked to the North London club.

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Wenger, who saw his side beaten 1-0 in an entertaining encounter at the Etihad Stadium, is satisfied with his options in midfield but admits the squad needs strengthening elsewhere.

He told Arsenal’s official website: “We hope to have (Jack) Wilshere and (Abou) Diaby back so in midfield we have the numbers required.

“But at the moment we are short at the back and if Gervinho and Chamakh go to the Africa Cup of Nations we are short up front more than midfield.”

The manager added of the injured Djourou: “It is a groin problem. Usually that is 21 days.”

From skysports.com

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