Arsenal’s Defensive Crisis Could Prompt £10m Bid for Swansea Defender – Report

Arsene Wenger could be forced to sign a new centre back after Laurent Koscielny picked up an ankle injury while training during Arsenal's pre-season tour in Japan.

With Thomas Vermaelen already ruled out of action for close to three months, Wenger suddenly finds himself short of options at the heart of his defence after Johan Djourou was sent on a season-long loan to Hamburg and Sebastien Squillaci was released.

That has left Wenger with just Per Mertesacker as his only senior option and could force the Gunners boss to finally try and secure his first major signing of the summer.

The Metro reports that the injury could force Arsenal to renew their interest in Swansea City defender Ashley Williams who enjoyed another outstanding camapiagn, leading the Welsh club to their first ever piece of silverware.

"It means you're doing something right and people are talking about you at least," Williams told Sky Sports after being quizzed on Arsenal's rumoured interest.

"I take it as a compliment. I don't really read the papers and that type of thing. You don't really know, as that's the future, and I can't really say. Different circumstances determine different things.

"I'm working hard trying to talk things through with the squad and the manager on the field, and trying to iron out a few things for the season."

Swansea are believed to have placed a £10m price tag on their captain which is unlikely to deter Arsenal if they decide that he is the right man to add some much needed depth to their defence.

Arsenal will first have to assess the damage to Koscielny's ankle but if he is ruled out for a signifcant amount of time then cover may well need to be found.

Wenger can call upon young Spanish defender Ignasi Miquel - who scored in the pre-season win over Vietnam - but it is Bacary Sagna who has been asked to fill in at centre-back for today's game against Nagoya Grampus.

Arsenal have thus far been quiet in the transfer window, completing just one deal for highly-rated French striker Yaya Sanogo.