Jeremy Mathieu to Arsenal: Gunners make enquiry over Barcelona defender

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Arsenal target: Jeremy Mathieu
(Nils Petter Nilsson/Ombrello/Getty Images)
Jonathan Johnson12 August 2016

Arsenal have made an enquiry for Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu according to reports in France.

The 32-year-old France international is a versatile player, occupying roles in central defence as well as left-back, and was unlucky to miss out on Euro 2016 through injury.

The Gunners are waiting for Valencia to decide on their £28m bid for Shkodran Mustafi as Arsene Wenger looks to reinforce his backline ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Arsenal are in desperate need of a centre-half with Per Mertesacker (knee), Gabriel Paulista (ankle) and Laurent Koscienly (not match fit) unavailable for the start of the season, which begins at home against Liverpool on Sunday.

Wenger said: "We are short on the experience front and this, centre-back, is a position where experience plays an important part. Of course we will look to add, we are working on it, but until Sunday I have to find an internal solution and an efficient solution."

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