Arsenal prepare move for Simon Kjaer amid defensive crisis

Arsenal have made an enquiry for Fenerbahce defender Simon Kjaer as they look to shore up their back four amid a crisis which has seen them start without three of their first choice defenders against Liverpool. The Gunners lost the game 4-3 after a second half blitz by the Reds saw them go 4-1 ahead and gave the Gunners no chance, despite the north London club making a comeback of sorts after scoring two late goals.

ESPN reports that Fenerbahce value the defender at around €15m (£13m, $17m) and anything close to that should be enough to prise the player away from Turkey. The Gunners have lost Per Mertesacker to a knee injury while Gabriel is also out with a twisted ankle he picked up against Manchester City in their last pre-season friendly. Laurent Koscielny is out of contention after returning late from vacation following his participation in the European Championships where France qualified for the finals.

Rob Holding and Calum Chambers were the centre-back pairing against Liverpool and both players were well out of their depth against a resurgent Reds attack. The Gunners had taken the lead through Theo Walcott but saw themselves level on the cusp of half-time when Philippe Coutinho curled in a brilliant free-kick.

The north London club have been linked with a move for Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi but are stalling on a deal for the player, with less than half a month left for the transfer window to close. Arsenal have also moved to deny Manchester United a deal for Jose Fonte, who has been been an integral part of the Southampton defence.

Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger's transfer policy has come under strong criticism from fans and pundits alike, who believe that the Gunners are not an attractive proposition in the market anymore. The Gunners finished last season in the second spot and were expected to challenge for the title this time around.