Arsenal transfer news: Shkodran Mustafi, Fabian Schar and other centre-backs Arsene Wenger could sign

With the start of the Premier League season on the horizon, Arsene Wenger has problems to solve in his defence.

Both of Arsenal’s senior centre-backs, Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker, will miss the curtain-raiser against Liverpool, with the latter out for several months at least.

It leaves Gabriel, who has sat much of pre-season out with an injury of his own, and Calum Chambers, who would have been loaned out by now under a different, kinder set of circumstances.

The former Southampton youth prospect started just two league games last season, as Wenger seemed to lose confidence in the 21-year-old’s ability.

Unless that faith has suddenly been restored, he should dip into the market.

Poor starts have put paid to Arsenal’s title hopes in recent years and, in what is likely to be a highly competitive Premier League season, Wenger cannot afford to play catch up.

Which centre-backs should be on his shortlist? Should he go for a budget option or a real investment?

Take a look at the gallery above to see nine defenders who Wenger may consider.

Do you have any other suggestions? Let us know in the comments.