Arsenal star Jack Wilshere wants Arsene Wenger to bring in defender

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has urged Arsene Wenger to complete a defender signing to strengthen his side's back four for the 2016/17 season. The Gunners have added Rob Holding to their squad this summer as the 20-year-old arrived at the Emirates from Bolton Wanderers.

Per Mertesacker picked up a knee injury during a pre-season fixture and has already undergone surgery. Wenger is already without the services of the German international, who is expected to be on the sidelines for the rest of this calendar year.

The north London club suffered another blow when Gabriel Paulista suffered an injury in Arsenal's friendly tie against Manchester City. The Brazilian is set to miss the next six weeks, while Laurent Koscielny has returned without playing any games in pre-season as he was on an extended break following his participation with France in Euro 2016.

Wenger is left with Calum Chambers and summer signing Holding as the two first choice cente-backs. The Frenchman is looking to bring in a striker in the current transfer window, but Wilshere has advised his manager to sign a defender as a priority as he believes Arsenal have a very good frontline.

"We picked up a few injuries in defence so we probably need to get a defender in," Wilshere told Sky Sports.

"But even then we brought in Rob Holding, who has done great in pre-season, and we have got another young centre back in Calum Chambers and going forward we are one of the best teams in the league.

"I think people forget in the past few seasons we have bought Mesut Ozil for big money and Alexis Sanchez, who are top players and have got used to the Premier League.

"Going forward we are strong enough. If the boss feels we need to add another striker then I'm sure that he will pick the right one as he has in the past," he explained.