After failing to strengthen in the summer transfer window, the defensive plan player will become the main priority for London's Arsenal strategist Arsene Wenger in January.
The "Gunners" started the season with just six defenders in four positions. In August, former captain Thomas Vermaelen left for Barcelona for 20 million euros.
Later, a 10 million euro deal for Kostas Manolas fell through due to unsuccessful negotiations on contract details, and the Greek moved to Roma. No other defender arrived either, so Wenger promises to extend the search in the winter.
"During the transfer window, we did a very good job. We tried to buy another player, a defender, but we couldn't find one. We will try to fix this in January," said the Frenchman.
Arsenal's coach also expressed a desire to improve the players' physical fitness and was pleased with the English core of the team.
"We are trying to improve physical fitness and avoid injuries," said Wenger. "We also want to strengthen mentally. It is very important that players are loyal to the club."
"We have built a more English team. We wanted that. We have a great core made up of young English footballers and we are heading in the right direction."
