Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hinted that he could make another move in the transfer market to strengthen his defence ahead of the new season, after Gabriel Paulista suffered a setback in the club’s friendly win over Manchester City on Sunday.
Gabriel was stretchered off after a last-minute challenge with Kelechi Iheanacho in the 3-2 win, but he will assess the extent of the injury before deciding whether to sign a new player. The club already have both Per Mertesacker out for several months and Laurent Koscielny struggling to be fit for the season opener against Liverpool next weekend.
We all hope to see you back on the pitch soon, @gpaulista5 ?https://t.co/xSg3iZYvOV
Wenger told the “?club’s website that he’ll consider his options before making a move, saying: “I’ve said many times that we are in the market. Of course it’s not an easy market for us. Let’s hope we have good news from Gabriel.
“Laurent Koscielny is back in training [on Monday] but he might be short for next week. If Gabriel is out, Per Mertesacker is out and Koscielny not ready – that’s a lot of players.”
Arsenal won the game with goals from Alex Iwobi, Theo Walcott and Chuba Akpom, while Sergio Aguero and Iheanacho scored for City.
Speaking on the game, Wenger added: “I felt it was a game of intensity where both teams put a big effort in. We played quite well. We were 1-0 down, came back and always looked dangerous going forward. I’m very pleased with our performance and the spirit we have shown.
“We could see that we have played together for a while now, so there’s a good fluidity and understanding in our game and reading of each other. I felt our transition from defence to attack was good, defending was good for the most part and physically we look ready.”
Wenger is also convinced that “?Walcott will have a good season after seeing how he’s responded since missing out on England’s Euro 2016 squad: “I’ve said many times that we will get a strong season from Theo Walcott because he got hit hard and I saw how he responded.
“He went through a very tough time not being at the Euros with England, and I I observed him, saw how he responded and I am convinced that he will have a great season.
“We had a good combination with him on the right and Alexis up front.”?
Arsene Wenger faces defensive dilemma after Gabriel suffers ankle injury against Man City https://t.co/ToOWfw4cNh pic.twitter.com/0mYVZ5zwbb
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