Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is hoping to sign a new defender but says it is hard to

Posted Sunday, January 18, 2015 by skysports.com

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal are hoping to add to their defensive options while the transfer window is open

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits that it would be "risky" if the club do not sign a new defender while the transfer window is open this month.

However, Wenger added that the Londoners are finding it difficult to arrange a deal for a player of the calibre they are looking for.

The Gunners have been short of numbers at the back for much of the campaign, Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs, Nacho Monreal and Mathieu Debuchy all having been absent due to injury at various times.

And it was announced this week that Debuchy will be out for another three months following a shoulder operation, leaving Wenger with six fit senior defenders to choose from.

Wenger said: "We can cope because we have (Calum) Chambers, (Per) Mertesacker, Koscielny."

"But we have now lost Debuchy who can play centre-back, Monreal who can play centre-back, and Gibbs has been out too."

"So, if we have another injury or two we will struggle. It is risky (not to sign anyone) - too risky."

The Gunners have been linked with moves for several centre-backs, notably Winston Reid of West Ham and Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels.

But Wenger said: "Why have we not signed a defender? We haven't found one. We are not the only ones working on the case."

"It is not a supermarket where you go in and buy a defender."

"It is a market that is very restricted. The players who can strengthen the best 10 teams in Europe, you don't find many and it is the same for everybody."

"We are a big attraction, of course we are. If it was easy, we would do it."

"We have made enquiries but then you have the second handicap. Who wants to sell their best player, especially a central defender, in the middle of the season?"

"They say, 'come back in June or July'."