Rumour Reel: Mathieu to Arsenal, Fabregas considering Real switch?

Robbie Purves | August 16, 2016

In Tuesday’s rumour reel, Arsene Wenger could be about to bolster his depleted defensive unit, with Barcelona’s Jeremy Mathieu to Arsenal linked in today’s back pages.

After the Gunners’ poor defensive display against Liverpool at the weekend, conceding four goals, Wenger is reportedly desperate to add a centre back to his depleted ranks.

Mathieu to Arsenal?

The Emirates outfit’s first choice centre backs Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel Paulista all missed their Premier League curtain raiser.

Now, reports coming out of Spain suggest Wenger could move for Mathieu – despite the defender currently being injured after limping out of Barcelona’s win over Sevilla at the weekend during the Supercopa de Espana.

The France international has won back-to-back La Liga titles and would bring winning pedigree to Arsenal but, as an injury-prone 32-year-old – is he really what the Gunners need?

Meanwhile, alternative target and World Cup winner Shkodran Mustafi’s move to London has hit a snag, according to reports.

Wenger is apparently refusing to pay the £25m Valencia are demanding, after Arsenal had a bid of £20m rebuffed. This will surely frustrate Gunners fans after another window of tight purse strings.

Fabregas contemplates switch