Arsene Wenger reiterates need for defensive reinforcements

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reiterated his intention to bring another defender to the club following Gabriel Paulista's injury during his side's final pre-season game this evening.

The Gunners were already short at the back heading into the match against Manchester City, with Per Mertesacker sidelined for at least four months and Laurent Koscielny only due to return to training next week following an extended break after Euro 2016.

Gabriel is now also expected to miss Sunday's season opener against Liverpool having sustained ligament damage, and Wenger once again confirmed that he was looking at potential new arrivals.

"I've said many times that we are in the market. Of course it's not an easy market for us. Let's hope we have good news from Gabriel," he told the club's official website.

"Laurent Koscielny is back in training [on Monday] but he might be short for next week. If Gabriel is out, Per Mertesacker is out and Koscielny not ready - that's a lot of players."

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Valencia's Shkodran Mustafi this summer.