Those who saw Paul Merson’s outburst about Arsenal’s defence would have struggled not to have nodded their head in approval at the ex player’s critique of our back four at present. It is an absolute shambles at best; however, I wonder where they will be in the coming weeks if Mustafi does in fact move to Inter Milan – as reported in today’s newspapers.

Watching last Saturday’s game against Stoke was a textbook case of how not to defend. Quite why Wenger felt the need to revert back to a flat back four, given how successful a back 5 proved towards the end of last season is anyone’s guess.

Couple this with the decision to play Bellerin at left back instead of Kolasanic, just so Arsene can cater for the wantaway Oxlade-Chamberlain – you get to understand why things are looking surprisingly shaky at the back for the Gunners.

The return of Koscielny cannot come soon enough, but with Gabriel already moved on can someone explain the logic of allowing Mustafi to move on? The German centre half hasn’t been a raging success at present, but surely he deserves time to find his feet at the club.

Per Mertesacker took time to make his way in the Premier League and surely he deserves the same level of patience? With Holding in reserve, I find it astounding that Wenger is looking to weaken an area that so desperately needs to be strengthened.

There are a lot of rumours that Wenger is set to join the chase with Man City for Jonny Evans. Whilst the West Brom defender is an accomplished player and would be a welcomed addition to the Emirates, I ask the question as to whether this should be at the expense of Mustafi – or simply as a complement to the German within the Gunners back line? I fail to understand what he has done wrong in an Arsenal shirt – let alone the logic to let Mustafi leave.