German defender, Per Mertesacker is set to be out for a period of 5 months due a serious injury following unofficial reports that may force the club into securing a short term replacement.
Per Mertesacker
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed he will look to sign a new defender in the wake of Per Mertesacker being ruled out for “months”.
The former Germany international underwent surgery after suffering a knee problem in his side's 1-1 friendly draw against Lens on Friday.
Wenger is now desperately short of defensive options ahead of Arsenal's Premier League opener against Liverpool on 14 August.
Laurent Koscielny is still on holiday following his Euro 2016 exploits with France, while Gabriel Paulista is currently sidelined alongside Mertesacker.
And although Wenger was unable to confirm how long Mertesacker will be out for, he did reveal the club will now dip into the transfer market due to a lack of fit and “experienced” defenders at his disposal.
"We have to look for an option to get a bit more experience," Wenger said.
"We will see some of our young centre-backs on Thursday as well. With Per being out, we are a bit short on the experience front and we are looking to bring somebody in."
Wenger's men are preparing for a clash against the MLS All-Stars in San Jose on Thursday.