Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed plans to buy a new centre-half this summer.
Thomas Vermaelen, a £10million buy from Ajax last July, has been a huge success but is out for the rest of the season with a calf injury.
And doubt remains whether Wenger will offer Sol Campbell a new deal while crocked William Gallas will also be a free agent.
Wenger said: "There is a need there. We are depending on Gallas and I'll have to sit down with Sol.
"If he's on board, focused and motivated, he's an important player."