Arsene Wenger Wants Real Madrid Star Alvaro Arbeloa to Bolster Arsenal's Defence

Arsenal are considering a move to sign Real Madrid star Alvaro Arbeloa in the summer transfer window, according to the Spanish newspaper AS.

The Spain international is a versatile defender who can play as a full-back on either side, and can also adapt himself in the central defending position.

The Gunners manager Arsene Wenger wants to further bolster his side's back four for the next campaign and is keen on landing the 31-year-old.

The north London club currently have Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen as the first choice centre-backs in the squad. The Belgium international can feature in multiple positions and his future at the Emirates is uncertain.

Vermaelen has one year left on his contract and is set to leave his current employers this summer. Arsenal's league rivals Manchester United and La Liga giants Barcelona are keen on securing a deal for the centre-half.

Wenger has hinted that Vermaelen could leave the Emirates club in the ongoing transfer window. The Frenchman admitted that should his skipper make an exit from Arsenal, he will enter the market to find a replacement.

"It could happen, yes it's a possibility that he goes, if he goes we have to replace him because he's an important player in our squad," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.

The AS report suggests that Arsenal could make a move to land Arbeloa to replace United-bound Vermaelen. Wenger has already signed two defenders this summer, having added Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers.

The former Newcastle United right-back is a replacement for Bacary Sagna, while Chambers is a versatile player, who can play as a right-back, centre-half or a midfielder. Despite having added two defenders, Wenger is still in the hunt for another defender.

A move for Arbeloa would be ideal as he can fit into multiple roles and will give Wenger enough cover for the next season.

Should the Spaniard join Arsenal, he is likely to feature as a central defender or a left-back, rather than his preferred role as a right-back.