Mertesacker replacements won't come cheap

The season hasn't even started and Arsenal already find themselves struggling for numbers as the injury to Mertesacker has left them bereft of experience at the back.

Rob Holding looked promising against the MLS All-Stars but he has been bought for the future and Wenger will be wary of throwing him in at the deep-end. After the match Wenger confirmed he is looking for a least one defensive and one attacking signing to complete his squad ahead of the new season.

Let's take a look at some of the targets.

World Cup-winner and Valencia centre-back Shkodran Mustafi looks to be top of the list with reports that Arsenal has already opened talks with the player's agent. Gooners may be surprised to hear the German defender has played in England before - joining Everton as an academy player - before making a free transfer to Sampdoria. After two solid years in Italian football he moved to Valencia where he has made 78 appearances, scoring six goals. He only signed a five-year contract two years ago and has a release clause of €45m.

Roma defender, Kostas Manolas was on Arsenal's shopping list two years ago but the Gunners would not meet Olympiakos' £12m valuation. Roma were only too happy to pay the asking price and the 24 cap Greek international has becoming an integral part of their defence. Convincing Roma to part with their prized defensive asset will take a lot more than the £12m Arsenal found too steep in 2014 and with Arsenal desperate for a new centre-back the Italian club hold all the cards.

Hoffenheim's Fabian Schar – a favourite of Goonersphere Podcast regular Devon who has long wanted the versatile Swiss – could be a cheaper option for The Arsenal. Schar has impressed in Germany as he did with Basel showcasing his talents on the European stage. He shone in the Euros alongside national team-mate and new Arsenal signing Granit Xhaka and if made available will no doubt have many admirers.

With Holding, Bielik and Chambers still young Arsenal could be looking for a more experienced hand to replace Mertesacker as partner to Laurent Koscielny. Bonucci on even a loan deal would sort this problem for Wenger as he would not impede the route into the first team for any of these players and would be the perfect foil to Koscielny. Juventus may be receptive to a deal having signed Benatia and it could keep Arsenal's eyes off Rugani.

It looks as though replacements for or upgrades on Mertesacker won't come cheap. Who would you rather have?

Who would you rather sign at CB? #Arsenal

— Goonersphere.com (@Goonersphere) July 30, 2016

Don't forget to like us on Facebook, add us to your G+ circle and follow us on Twitter.