Arsenal are looking beyond the deal for Shkodran Mustafi in an attempt to add experience in numbers in the defensive region for the new season.
And according to reports from French news outlet, SFR Sport, the Gunners are making early inquiries to aquire the services of Barcelona defender, Jeremy Mathieu.
It’s thought that Arsene Wenger is interested in taking the 32-year-old from the Catalan giants, who are unlikely to rely on his defensive duties following a number of signings at the back.
Recent additions of Samuel Umtiti and Lucas Digne have cast doubt over the future of Mathieu, who will be resorted to the bench by manager Luis Enrique for the majority of the season.
That’s where Arsenal step in, and whilst looking to take advantage of Mathieu’s desire to play top-level football, experience is what they’re desperately in search of at the back.
The Gunners are set to announce the signing of Shkodran Mustafi this weekend after the Valencia star agreed personal terms, but that doesn’t solve all of Wenger’s problems.
Despite Mustafi being a top buy for the reported £25million, he still lacks experience and Mathieu would offer Wenger something different in the side to steady the ship.
Arsenal lack leaders in the one place where it counts, and having recognised that Wenger is now back out in the market to try to attract one more centre back to join this summer.
Mathieu fits the bill given his situation at Barca, and having picked up 75 appearances since 2014 he’s knows what it takes to be playing for a side pushing for the title.
His deep roots with the French national team also make him a perfect candidate to play alongside Laurent Koscielny, who is expected to make a return to the first team on away to Leicester next week.
Whilst Gabriel is expected back to full training in eight weeks time, Wenger would be taking a risk knowing that one more injury to a centre back could end their trophy hopes.
Instead, he’ll want a player that is capable of playing when it matters, and won’t settle for being put on the bench week in, week out; thus pushing everyone fighting for the same position.
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