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Whilst Arsenal might be one of the greatest attacking sides of the last decade, anyone who knows anything about football knows that it’s their defence that hinders their title hopes year after year. Last season Arsenal scored 83 goals which measured up respectively well to the 103 and 86 scored by Chelsea and Man Utd respectively. This year though Wenger openly admitted that his side’s defensive problem is hindering their future title challenges when he said “...I believe you don't win the title when you concede 40 goals."

This summer Arsenal saw the likes of experienced heads such as Gallas, Silvestre and Campbell leave the Emirates leaving Arsene with just one centre back at his disposal. Thomas Vermaelen played his way into the PFA team of the year last season after a very impressive first season in English football’s top flight but now needs a regular partner to inject some solidarity into Arsenal’s back four. The arrivals of Laurent Koscielny and Sebastian Squillaci, the return of Djourou from injury gives the Arsenal manager an array of options that will challenge for a starting IX berth. But will this be enough to solve the Gunners’ defensive issues?

Firstly, the new centrebacks give Wenger different options: Koscielny was well renowned at Lorient for his intercepting, anticipating and game reading skills and it’s not very Wenger-like to spend a reported 8-10 million on a player and not play him. Squillaci brings a wealth of experience of both winning titles with Lyon and impressive European campaigns with Lyon, Monaco and Sevilla. Lastly there’s the forgotten man Djourou, who is at the age where he needs to be playing regular first team football and after being sidelined for almost an entire season will have a thirst and desire to step up and show what he can do. His height could provide the aerial presence Arsenal have been missing in recent seasons.

However, everyone knows that it is not just the defenders who defend, especially in a team like Arsenal who play high up the pitch and are susceptible to counter attacks when caught in possession. Song was arguably one of premier league’s most improved players and has cemented his starting place with an impressive campaign but should he get injured, It’s unlikely as to whether the likes of Denilson can provide the tenacity needed in the anchorman role (despite Wenger’s faith in him). Another issue is Arsenal’s goalkeeping problems, which can also affect the mentality of the back four. Almunia has often provided either a Jekyll or Hyde performance, Fabianski injects fear rather than confidence to any Arsenal fan, Mannone showed last year he has potential but isn’t ready to perform consistently week in week out and whilst Szczesny had several man of the match performances over at league 1 side Brentford, the step up to the premiership would be too much of a step up for him to feature this season, with even more pressure than ever for the Gunners to deliver trophies to the Arsenal faithful.

With rumours circulating that Arsenal are likely to sign Mark Schwarzer after his recent transfer request at Fulham, Arsenal might finally get that Van Der Sar-eque signing to ease the defence and perhaps bring the right blend of aggression as well as composure, additionally adding his presence, organisation and confidence when it comes to set pieces and corners.

Arsenal fans can be pleased with the defenders on their books, both in terms of numbers and quality but they could be worried by their actual defence. Arsenal still need a quality goalkeeper to reassure their defenders that they have got a sound unit and cover for Song would be reassuring should he get injured or exhausted. Denilson is more of a passing possession midfielder rather than a chaser and haggler which would not compensate adequately for a potential loss of Song (let’s not forget about Arsenal’s ‘luck’ when it comes to injuries). There is a fine line between Arsenal getting it right or wrong and at the minute that fine line is signing a goalkeeper and a backup defensive midfielder. But for the first time in years, Wenger could potentially have all the ingredients to create a successful defensive strategy.