To be fair to Arsenal, you’ve got to feel for them on this occasion- even just in the slightest.

Whilst Arsene Wenger has gone about his transfer waiting game in typical fashion, the camp were first hit with the devastating news that defender Per Mertesacker will be out for “months” with a knee injury.

Then, in typical fashion more injuries started to take hold and next out was Brazilian centre-back Gabriel, who was injured during his side's 3-2 pre-season win over Manchester City last week.

Either defender are hardly Gunners' favourites but both offer a certain amount of defensive stability and leadership in the back-four, and their injuries must mean that Arsene Wenger must start looking for a replacement as soon as possible.

Laurent Koscielny and Calum Chambers are left at the Emirates, but with Chambers struggling to break into the side over questioned quality, the time has come for a bit of Arsene Wenger ambition.

Centre-back isn't the most exciting position to have to fill but it is any important one- look how much Vincent Kompany means to Manchester City.

So with this in mind, who should Arsene be targeting?

Here’s THREE established centre-backs who could relieve the current injury woes...

Marquinhos

Whilst he may not be a player that instantly springs to mind, there is little doubt that Brazilian international Marquinhos could tick a number of boxes for the Gunners.

After signing for Paris Saint-Germain for €31.4 million back in 2013, he's won over ten trophies during his stay in France. He's had to play second fiddle after fellow countryman David Luiz was acquired by the club, but he is still considered as one of the best young defenders in the game and made over 40 appearances for PSG last season.

He's extremely competent in his defensive game and has an excellent ability to read the game, with former Roma defender Nicolas Burdisso once describing him as "A little phenomenon who has speed, heading ability and is humble. He is a little Thiago Silva". Not a bad comparison to draw at all.

Adil Rami

If the Gunners are looking for a defender to fill the gap, rather than be here for the long-term, then they should be looking at a man like Adil Rami.

He won't cost the mega-bucks like the other two names in this list and his defensive record in his career has been solid enough.

Now at Sevilla, he's performed well for the Spanish side during his first season at the club and he would be a sturdy, solid signing to provide some defensive cover.

Aleksandar Dragovic

A tough-tackling defender, Aleksander Dragovic would really add some metal to the Arsenal back four.

At 25, Dragovic might be young, but he has plenty of experience. He has won two Swiss League titles, one Ukranian title and helped Basel to the Europa League semi final.

Now at Dynamo Kiev, it might take a big transfer fee to prise him away from Ukraine but a little like Stones, this would be a signing both for the future, and for now.