Arsenal transfer news: Arsene Wenger admits he still wants a centre-back

Gunners boss admits he wants to fill the void left by sale of Thomas Vermaelen

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admitted he is on the lookout for another centre-back (Getty Images)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he is still on the lookout for another centre-back after the sale of Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona.

The Spanish giants paid £15m to take the Belgian defender to the Nou Camp, despite the 28-year-old being Wenger's clear third choice behind Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny last season.

Wenger started with new boy Calum Chambers, 19, and Koscielny in the centre against Manchester City in the Community Shield victory, but the French defender picked up a knock and had to be substituted at half-time.

With Per Mertesacker only just back at training Wenger had to play Spanish left-back Nacho Monreal in the middle.

"If I can find another centre-back I will do it," Wenger said after an impressive 3-0 win. "You make your position with your performances."

Wenger also singled out Chambers for praise. Although he mostly played at right-back for Southampton last season, the teenager has impressed in his three games for Arsenal, all of which he has played in the middle.

"For a 19-year-old, he had an outstanding performance today," added Wenger. "He was very impressive."

Arsenal start their season at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday evening.