Arsene Wenger has proved especially over the past couple of months that he still has the magic touch when it comes to scouting the right players for Arsenal. Mustafi, Xhaka, Ozil and Sanchez are becoming indispensable for the Gunners who are looking better than ever mostly due to the transfers made over the past 3 seasons. While the Frenchman seems to have found the perfect solution for the attack and the midfield, the only slight doubts are regarding the depth of the defense where Mustafi and Koscielny lack solid back-up. While Gabriel is good, he is not consistent and has suffered from a number of health issues. Holding lacks top tier experience which is hard to gain right now given the way the current center-backs play together. Then there’s Mertesacker whose contract expires at the end of the season. All signs point towards the fact that the German international will not continue his Arsenal experience as injuries have not allowed Wenger to use him in the first team. The knee problem he is currently dealing with will keep him on the bench for at least 2 more months and has affected the World Cup winner’s future prospects. Mertesacker’s place in the Gunners’ defense is no longer a certainty but once fit again he can probably play for at least 2 more years – most likely it will not be for Arsenal though.

Wenger is preparing for Mertesacker’s departure according to TalkSport who suggest that Atletico’s Jose Gimenez might represent a solid replacement for the German International. The 21-year-old Champions League finalist is one of the most promising center-backs out there given his experience, age and strength. With proper guidance, he might end up among the best in the world. The Uruguay international is under contract with Atletico until 2018 with no signs of an extension on the table. Gimenez is currently playing second fiddle to Godin and Savic who are Simeone’s first choices for the center of the defense. His chances of playing more this season are slim and the idea of a new start with more money might tempt the youngster to join Arsenal. He does represent the future and he could learn a lot from players like Koscielny and Mustafi. He could pair up with Holding and be the best choice for the Gunners in a few years with Chambers still an option once he returns from getting invaluable Premier League experience with Boro. It would be great for the Gunners to have such young and talented defensive options around to use and to ease into the starting eleven.