Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits that is on the lookout for a centre-back to fill the void left by Barcelona new-boy Thomas Vermaelen.
Vermaelen completed his move to Camp Nou on Saturday after rejecting the advances of Manchester United and the versatile defender’s departure has left the Gunners short on options at the back. Leaving Wenger with no other option than to be on the look out for another cover at the heart of his defence.
“Vermaelen behaved outstandingly last year – I am grateful for him and I wish him very well,” said the Arsenal boss after his side romped to a 3-0 win at Wembley.
“If I can find another centre-back, I will do it.”
Calum Chambers, a summer signing from Southampton, once again featured at centre-back, helping keep a deadly City attack at bay, and Wenger was hugely impressed by the teenager, as well as Mathieu Debuchy, who was also making his competitive debut following his arrival from Newcastle.
“For a 19-year-old, [Chambers] had an outstanding performance today,” added the veteran boss. “He was very impressive. Debuchy was also excellent.”
Both players are in line to start the Gunners’ opening Premier League match, against Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium next week.