Joseph Yobo Denies Holding Talks with Arsenal

Joseph Yobo insists he is unaware of reported interest from Arsenal, despite knowing that Arsene Wenger was keen to bring him to the club in the past.

The Gunners have found themselves in a defensive injury crisis in recent weeks where Wenger has been forced to look to youth to supplement his meagre options.

With Mathieu Debuchy unavailable for three months, the Arsenal boss has also been without Calum Chambers and Nacho Monreal due to illness and a back injury respectively, with youngsters Hector Bellerin and Isaac Hayden being called upon in reserve.

Having come in for criticism for not adding another defender to his squad during the transfer window, reports have suggested Wenger has continued looking within the free agent market for a short-term solution.

However, former Everton stalwart Yobo insists he has not been considered.

"I read Arsenal was interested in me; it was news to me," he told the Independent. "If negotiations taking place, I am not aware. Maybe the club is talking with my agent."

Yobo spent 10 years at Goodison Park before leaving to join Fenerbahce in 2012. The defender, who has captained Nigeria more times than anyone else in history, is now a free agent after a stint on loan at Norwich City last season and insists Wenger wanted to make him a long-term fixture in his side earlier in his career.

"There is no formal contact with anybody. I know Arsene Wenger admires me a lot and wanted me to replace Sol Campbell some years ago, but Everton blocked the move.

"He wanted me to partner Kolo Toure in defence; I was younger then."

With Calum Chambers to deputise in the place of the injured Debuchy at right back, Wenger is left with no senior cover for first choice options Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny at centre half in the event of one of the pair picking up a knock.

Diego Lugano, who was released by West Bromwich Albion this summer, has also been touted as a possible option.