“Enough is enough, Wenger Out,” read a banner at the Emirates on Saturday during the clash between Arsenal and Manchester United. This was after Wayne Rooney scored United’s second goal, exposing the Gunners’ defensive frailties, once again on the big stage. The message from the disgruntled fan had the sign confiscated by a steward to avoid inciting a few others who support the Gunners, but have lost faith in the Frenchman’s management of the team.

Despite conceding six goals against the big guns last season, Arsene Wenger spent most of last summer watching his defenders on international duty in Brazil, and decided that he didn’t need any additional players even with a big package allocated to him for recruitments.

He in turn, decided to bring in Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck to bolster his attack, and replaced Bacary Sagna with Mathew Debuchy and deputy captain Thomas Vermaelen with Calum Chambers. But with Debuchy out injured and Chambers still with a lot to learn, it is clear that Arsene Wenger needs to strengthen his backline.

He has had to play second choice full-back Nacho Monreal at center-back to partner Per Mertesacker after Laurent Koscielny was sidelined with a lengthy layoff, though the French center-back is close to making his return. With all these defensive problems, it is certain that Wenger needs to address his defensive weaknesses sooner rather than later.

He made enquiries about the availability of Dutch and Aston Villa’s defender Ron Vlaar and Athletic Bilbao’s Aymeric Laporte. With Louis Van Gaal a big admirer of the two defenders, it seems as though Wenger’s hopes of landing them have been dashed as they look to set for moves to the red half of Manchester.

Arsenal’s loss to United on Saturday showed more evidence for the need of a more commanding and responsible defender, and it is no wonder Wenger has been linked with Basel’s and Switzerland international Fabian Schär. The 22-year old versatile defender has made it clear that he will not be extending his contract with the Swiss club, who will be tempted to cash-in in January to avoid letting him go for nothing next summer.

The Gunners however, face competition from Juventus who are keen to land the defender in June for free, but the London club are ready to fend off the competition with a £10m bid in January.

Manchester United also have problems of their won at the back, witnessed on Saturday’s clash at the Emirates. It is believed that Louis Van Gaal has already secured Ron Vlaar’s signature and the Dutchman is expected to make a move to Old Trafford in January. The United boss is also tracking Bilbao’s Laporte who will come at a costly price tag of £30m in January.

Arsenal’s arch rivals Spurs are keen on another Dutch defender, Ajax’s Ricardo van Rhijin as Mauricio Pochettino is looking to reinforce his defense with Kyle Walker out with an injury. The former Southampton is also chasing after the signature of Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi even with Harry Kane having a great goal per game ratio.

Liverpool have however, been linked with a move for the Argentine, though Brendan Rodgers has set his eyes on Jackson Martinez of F.C Porto.