Arsenal's Last-Minute Transfer Targets

The Gunners are in talks to bring Werder Bremen's German international defender Per Mertesacker to the Emirates. He would bring much needed height, experience, strength, and leadership to the back line. He and Vermaelen together, if both could stay healthy, would probably create the strongest defensive tandem in England.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have virtually completed the signing from Monaco of Korean international striker Park Chu-Young (who reportedly has an IQ of 150 to go along with his goal-scoring prowess).

Another likely signing is Fenerbahce left-back and Brazilian international Andres Santos. His insertion into the squad would allow Bacary Sagna to move back to his more accustomed and comfortable location on the right side of defense.

I expect all three of those players to be at the Emirates by tomorrow night. But Arsenal could still use some depth in midfield. They have reportedly targeted 19-year-old Borrusia Dortmund playmaker Mario Gotze. But Gotze's agent insists the player will be staying in Germany, at least for the time being.


UPDATE ON SOME ADDITION BY SUBTRACTION: Woeful defender Armand Traore, who reportedly was joking around after the 8-2 drubbing at Old Trafford, is on his way out of Arsenal to Queen's Park Rangers.