Arsenal still wanting to bolster more despite Community Shield win

Arsenal (an industry best price of 13/2 to win the Premier League) will be in high confidence after beating Manchester City to lift the Community Shield. However, Arsene Wenger is still eyeing up another centre back, following the departure of former captain Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona.

“Vermaelen behaved outstandingly last year,” the Frenchman said. “I am grateful for him and I wish him very well. If I can find another centre back I will do it. You make your position with your performances.”

The Gunners are therefore being linked with Liverpool’s vice-captain Daniel Agger, who looks as though he’ll be used in a bit-part role this coming term again if he stays at Anfield. He only played 23 times in all competitions for the Merseyside club last season.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers currently have the likes of Dejan Lovren, Mamadou Sakho, Martin Skrtel, Kolo Toure, Tiago Llori and Sebastian Coates on his books in the heart of defence, though the latter trio have been linked with moves away. Agger has reportedly even asked if he can be sold, with Napoli and Tottenham also hoping to bring the 29-year-old Denmark international captain in.

Currently, Arsenal only have two established centre backs at the club, Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, so are in desperate need to recruit. Usual reserve Spaniard Ignasi Miquel is also an option as back-up, while it seems Wenger has hopes to convert new recruit Calum Chambers, who impressed against City at Wembley, into the middle of defence.

Liverpool manager Rodgers, however, has confirmed their have been no bids for his player, who missed the Reds’ recent 4-0 pre-season friendly over Borussia Dortmund. “I saw some stories on Agger, but we haven’t had any enquiries,” he said.

“Daniel is still getting some work done on his knee. He’s been unfortunate since the tour of America, but we haven’t had anything, no offers.”