Arsenal: Offload Vermaelen And Look To Sign Ligue One Defender

A lot has been made about Arsenal's surge up the table this season and the fact that they have held onto top spot for so long, but there have been a few wobbles along the way.  Opening the season with a 3-1 loss at home to Aston Villa, there were plenty of people arguing that their defensive line would be the factor that cost them their title challenge, but with Per Mertesacker performing admirably throughout the campaign so far and Laurent Koscielny tightening up his displays, the Gunners look quite secure.

However, should Mertesacker take a knock then they are in trouble. Thomas Vermaelen is the current back up, though in my opinion they should get rid of the Belgium international and look to sign Saint-Etienne powerhouse Kurt Zouma.

Not only is Zouma streets ahead in terms of strength, power and sheer physicality, but he's also ahead in terms of pace and athleticism.

Despite his tender age, the 19-year-old has proved that he is a wise head on young shoulders as he has already played over 60 games for his current club.

He is a France U21 regular and everything in place to join a club near the top of Europe, and for me Arsenal should get rid of Vermaelen and bring in this young defender.