Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is desperate to sign a new centre-half.

The Mirror says Arsenal are desperate to sign a new centre half as back-up to William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen but missed out on Fulham's Chris Smalling after he opted to join Manchester United this summer.

Wenger is already facing a battle to keep Gallas, 32, after he was only offered a one-year contract extension while Philippe Senderos is also set to join Everton permanently at the end of his loan spell.