Saint Etienne centre back Loic Perrin has suggested that Arsenal made contact with his agent for his services before the Christmas period and that the London based club were serious about a deal, but have not contacted the player ever since, with the development of Gabriel Paulista’s move finally confirmed from Villarreal, according to the Metro.

When Arsenal were unable to sign another defender before the start of the Barclays Premier League season, the club faced a lot of criticism over the decision, and drew up a list of potential targets. With injuries to the likes of Mathieu Debuchy and Mikel Arteta, Arsenal looked compromised in defence, and had to play players out of position to cover. Even though Arsenal supporters will be happy with the signing of Paulista, they will hope Wenger can pull off a deal for a defensive midfielder before the end of the window. However, since the emergence of Francis Coquelin, supporters are worried Wenger would rely on the player to carry the defensive midfield for the rest of the season. With Arteta out till April, Coquelin will have to cover the position for a couple of months on his own, and with the UEFA Champions League fixtures, the calendar will cramp up for the club.

Perin began his career as a youth player for Saint Etienne, and has played for the club his entire career. The 29-year old has made 284 league appearances, scoring 20 goals and might still be the man to offer the Gunners some additional extra cover -if some reports are to be believed.