Fans might not get to celebrate another big transfer as Wenger is putting most of his trust in Arsenal’s current lot. After seeing the Gunners play against the MLS All-Stars and after especially seeing Holding perform, the French boss might be right. Even so, someone needs to come to Emirates to make sure things go the right way this year at least until Mertesacker gets back. In order to do so, a low-cost solution would probably be best as there is no need to rush things and look for a permanent replacement right now. Some may argue a new defender is long overdue but the Gunners should be fine with their best starting eleven as long as they stay away from injury.

The good thing about bringing in a low-cost defender is that he might come with a lot of experience. Bringing in a center-back for a year or two who can represent an on and off the bench replacement for defenders like Koscielny, Chambers, Holding or Mertesacker sounds like a good idea. According to The Sunday Express, that solution might come from Swansea. Wales captain Ashley Williams is apparently interested in an upgrade after spending the past 8 years with the Swans. He never played for a Big Four team and barely had contact with European competitions. He will be turning 32 this August and joining Arsenal might be his last chance to get a shot at the Premier League title and even at the Champions League.

Williams sounds like a nice solution even if the whole Mertesacker thing hadn’t happened. He only played in the UK, he looks like he has reached his career peak and he looks like he still has a few good years left in him. Currently the Welsh captain is valued at around £5.5million and if rumors are true Swansea will not stop him for leaving despite being under contract until 2018. One other thing worth mentioning is that Williams has a incredible injury record with the most he spent in recovery during the past 3 years being 3 days due to a minor shoulder problem.

So Ashley Williams is on top of the list given his experience, injury sheet and price. But who else could fill in the gap left by Mertesacker while still checking some of the boxes checked by the Welshman?

1.  Fabian Schar – 24 – Hoffenheim – The Swiss international showed great potential during Euro 2016 and could agree to a move to a club with great aspirations such as Arsenal. He will cost Wenger about £5million

2. Thomas Vermaelen I 30 – Barcelona – Probably Wenger’s last solution, the former Arsenal captain is desperate to leave the Spanish side. While a transfer would cost Wenger around £5million, a loan deal is more plausible. His precarious health state could be a problem though.

3. Nicolas Lombaerts – 31 – Zenit St. Petersburg – Since Mircea Lucescu took over it looks like the Russians are willing to sell. This Belgium international could be brought in as a decent replacement for Mertesacker at a price of about £4million.