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Wenger considers free agents Yobo and Lugano

ESPN staff
September 18, 2014
Wilshere recognises Arsenal struggles

Arsene Wenger is reportedly looking to sign Joseph Yobo or Diego Lugano on a free transfer to ease Arsenal's defensive injury crisis.

Arsenal have problems at the back with Mathieu Debuchy potentially needing an operation after damaging ankle ligaments.

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Wenger had just three senior defenders available for Tuesday's 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League with 19-year-old Hector Bellerin struggling in place of Debuchy at right-back.

Arsenal's lack of defensive depth could force his hand and clubs are still able to sign free agents despite the transfer window closing on September 1.

With Calum Chambers - who was unavailable against Dortmund through illness - ready to step in at right-back, Wenger has no experienced centre-back to cover first-choice pairing Per Mertsacker and Laurent Koscielny.

Nacho Monreal, the 5ft 9in left-back, was used as a makeshift centre-back during pre-season with Wenger urged strengthen in the position during the transfer window.

Having bolstered his attacking options with £35 million Alexis Sanchez and £16m Danny Welbeck, Wenger failed to address his concerns at the back, Kostas Manolas opting to join Roma, despite Arsenal making an enquiry to Olympiakos.

Wenger may now turn to 34-year-old former Everton defender Yobo or Uruguay international Lugano, with both being touted to clubs by their agents, according to the Daily Mirror.

Yobo was on loan at Norwich for the second half of last season from Fenerbahce while Lugano, 33, was released by West Brom in May after just seven league starts in his only season at the Hawthorns.

Joseph Yobo could be a target for Arsenal © PA Photos
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