Arsene Wenger urged to improve Arsenal defence in January transfer window

Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn is confident manager Arsene Wenger will add a centre-back to his squad in the January transfer window in order to continue the club's surge towards a top four spot.

Despite having gone to within two points of the top four after three wins in their last four games, the Gunners have suffered this term amid a host of injury problems, particularly at the back where Wenger has just six senior defenders to select from.

Mathieu Debuchy, Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal have spent significant periods out of the Arsenal first team, with Wenger forced to field several makeshift back fours.

Winterburn wants Wenger to react to this dilemma by reinforcing his defence in the upcoming January transfer window to ensure Arsenal's Champions League charge is not derailed.

"I do wish there was more stability there [in defence], I really do," Winterburn told Talksport.

"With all the injuries they have had, when you look at it in the cold light of day they could have done with another center-half. The one position where they've seemed strong is in midfield and yet they're struggling in that position.

"I think when they [Arsenal] get everybody back they will be very strong again but I still feel they need another centre-half that would really complement the team greatly.

"Let's see what happens in January and maybe the start of next season because Arsene Wenger won't just buy anybody for the sake of it. He likes to get that right player in. But I feel the club are moving in the right direction."

Wenger has already admitted he will use the January window in order to enhance his squad but few players have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent weeks.