Despite the transfer window being months away, Wenger has already started negotiations for a new defender. Anderlecht’s Cheikhou Kouyate is on top of Arsenal’s transfer list as the Gunners look interested in bringing in some competition for Koscielny and Mertesacker.  According to Metro, starting negotiations this early could also mean captain Thomas Vermaelen might be set to leave the Emirates at the end of the season. The Belgian international could leave for Barcelona after Puyol just announced he will not be continuing on at the Camp Nou.

Arsenal’s 24 year old target whose contract expires in 2016 is valued at £6.2m which will not be a problem for the Gunners. Anderlecht’s center back who made his international debut in 2012 for Senegal, has made quite the impression on Wenger who publicly expressed his admiration towards the young Senegal international.

This apparently is not Arsenal’s first attempt to close the deal on Kouyate. According to his agent, the Gunners were interested in signing him some time back, but put things on hold in order to make a move on a much more experienced player. After failing to land any of their most important defenders, Wenger turned his attention towards Kouyate who is now on top of the Frenchman’s list.

Arsenal will have to fight Galatasaray, CSKA and probably Valencia who already placed a bid for Anderlecht’s defender.

Kouyate who since 2008 made 135 appearances for the Belgian side would make a great partner for any of the two defenders the Gunners currently use on a regular basis. His strong physique and playing style will probably remind fans of Sol Campbell who left his mark on Arsenal as one of the best defenders ever to perform for Wenger’s side.