Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has addressed the need to bolster his defence in the summer and is planning to land Swansea skipper Ashley Williams, who is also a target for Liverpool.
It is understood that Wenger has lost complete faith in the central defensive partnership of Thomas Vermaelen and Per Mertesacker and is looking to find a player who would bring steel and leadership at the back.
The appointment of assistant manager Steve Bould, who was one of the finest defenders of Arsenal during his playing days, hasn’t resulted in stark improvement in terms of cutting out defensive errors, as the Gunners continue to make glaring mistakes at the back on a regular basis.
Skipper Vermaelen has been one of the under performers for the club this season and has failed to provide enough stability and organisation at the back. Arsenal’s defence was brutally exposed on Sunday when Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon made the best use of defensive lapses and scored in quick succession.
Wenger is particularly frustrated with the fact that neither Vermaelen nor Mertesacker, experienced internationals with Belgium and Germany respectively, are capable of maintaining a disciplinary shape at the back.
The Frenchman has addressed the need of buying a central defender and according to reports from Guardian, he has targeted Swansea skipper in the summer.
The 28-year-old has a contract with Swansea till 2015 and would cost in the region of £8 million. Williams, who is known for his outstanding ability to read the game, was signed by then manager Roberto Martinez from Stockport County and within five years, has established himself as one of the key players for the club.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers who has worked with him before is also looking to bring him to Anfield. Veteran defender and club hero Jamie Carragher will retire at the end of the season, while Rodgers is not convinced with the performances of Martin Skrtel and young Sebastian Coates either and is looking to find the right type of player to partner Daniel Agger.
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