‘We are looking to bring somebody in,” says Wenger

Arsene Wenger admits Per Mertesacker’s knee injury means Arsenal are back in the market for another defender.
The 31-year-old Germany international suffered the problem in Friday’s pre-season draw with Lens and did not travel with the squad for two friendlies in the United States.
Wenger confirmed on Tuesday evening that Mertesacker is set for “months” on the sidelines after undergoing surgery.
“We have bad news on Per Mertesacker,” he said on the club’s website. ahead of a clash with the MLS All-Stars on Thursday.
“He played in Lens on Friday night, he finished the game and had a little pain on his knee. We found out the next day that it was much more serious than expected.
“He had surgery yesterday in Germany. It all went well. I know you will ask me for how long he will be out. I don’t know that, it’s months, but I don’t know how long he will be out for.”
The injury comes as a blow to Wenger, who also left fellow centre-back Gabriel in England and has given Laurent Koscielny an extended break following his exertions with France at Euro 2016.
That means, at 21, Calum Chambers is his most experienced defender on the US tour, with new signing Rob Holding also expected to play a major role in both pre-season matches in America.

But with the new season looming, Wenger admits the set-back with Mertesacker – who had dropped out of the team towards the end of last season as Gabriel and Koscielny became the preferred partnership – means he will be forced to look for another defensive recruit.
“We have to look for an option to get a bit more experience,” he 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.”
But Wenger was in no mood to offer up any suggestions of who he may be tempted to bring in after responding to Lyon’s statement issued on Tuesday morning which claimed they had rejected a bid from the Gunners for striker Alexandre Lacazette.
“Lyon is responsible for their own statements,” he added.
“On the transfer front, I think the best option is always to keep as secret as possible. If we sign somebody, we will announce it. But I cannot tell you much more on that.”