Arsene Wenger is known to make astute signings and turn unknown players into world class internationals. It is a jaw-dropping fact in this day and age of inflated transfer fees that Arsenal’s record transfer fee stands at a meagre £15 million paid for the services of Andrei Ashravin back in January 2009.

While Wenger’s signings in the attacking area of the field are top notch and cannot be questioned, his judgment on the defensive side has not been so great. Only Vermaelen seems like a quality player of defensive signings in recent years as players like Squillaci and Santos have failed to deliver. Mertesacker is debatable. Arsenal have recently announced that they have a war-chest of more than £123 million and are widely expected to dip in the transfer market to recruit defensive options that can add steel to the current backline.

One player identified for a move to the Emirates is Lille centre back Aurelien Chedjou, who has been one of the most consistent defenders in Ligue 1 over the last few years. With the player’s recent admission of a desire to move away, and Arsenal’s significant transfer kitty, a deal between the two clubs seems likely in the summer. He said, “After six years here, a cycle is coming to an end. I am one of the pieces of furniture in the dressing-room here. I feel ready to join one of the top European clubs.”

Arsenal have brought in Spanish left back Nacho Monreal who seems a quality buy and they have Jenkinson to provide competition to Sagna for the right back berth. But Arsenal’s defensive frailties have often been found in the centre back department, with Wenger unable to decide on the centre backs who can complement each other the best and keep a clean sheet.  Mertesacker has been preferred ahead of Koscielny to partner Vermaelen this season, but both centre backs have been inconsistent.

The Cameroon international may lack the experience of premier league football but Wenger is known to bring a player’s potential to reality. With the player announcing his intention to leave, he may be available on the cheap, but Arsenal will have to fend off interest from both Liverpool and Newcastle to land the player.

Liverpool are set to lose Jamie Carragher to retirement at the end of the season and have been linked with a host of central defenders around the globe. Newcastle suffered a torrid first half to the season and brought in six players in January to steady the ship. With the imminent departure of Coloccini, Pardew may well use his French connections to help bring the 27-year-old to St James Park.

Arsenal seem favourites for the defender and one can expect to see him in an Arsenal shirt next season.