There’s no doubt about it, Arsenal’s defence is a bit of a joke. Petr Cech kept his 199th clean sheet in the Premier League on December 16th against Newcastle… he’s still searching for his 200th.

With it looking increasingly likely that Arsene Wenger’s reign at Arsenal finally comes to an end this summer, there could be a massive squad overhaul at the club.

Any incoming manager is going to want guarantees about players he can bring in, and it’s doubtful there are too many candidates out there that are optimistic about the current defensive ranks at the Emirates.

Shkodran Mustafi has gotten worse and worse after a good start to life at the club, Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker are both in their thirties, and neither Rob Holding or Calum Chambers have excelled as the younger options.

In front of the backline, Granit Xhaka has shown glimpses of brilliance but been largely underwhelming in a defensive sense, and Mohamed Elneny isn’t good enough to start week in week out.

Here are three players the Gunners should target to improve their defensive record and toughen up their efforts in their own third...

Steven N'Zonzi, Sevilla

Football Soccer - Sevilla v Dinamo Zagreb - UEFA Champions League Group Stage - Group H - Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, Seville, Spain - 2/11/2016. Sevilla's Steven N'Zonzi celebrates after scoring against Dinamo Zagreb. REUTERS/ Marcelo del Pozo

Premier League fans will remember N’Zonzi for his time at Stoke City, but the Frenchman has gone from strength to strength since his 2015 move to Sevilla. N’Zonzi would be operate as a true defensive midfielder, and not get caught ahead of the ball like Arsenal’s current crop so often do. Valued at £27million on Transfermarkt, the 29 year-old is experienced, strong and has blossomed into a fantastic passer in Spain. Arsenal could do a lot worse than looking to this former Premier League man for a solution to their woes.

Kalidou Koulibaly, Napoli

It seems almost inevitable that Koulibaly will have a host of Premier League clubs queuing up to convince him to leave Napoli this summer, and Arsenal should be at the front of that queue. The 26 year-old has blossomed in Maurizio Sarri’s free flowing Napoli side, showing both his defensive qualities and his abilities on the ball. Valued at £36million on Transfermarkt, Koulibaly would be an immediate improvement on the current ranks at Arsenal, and toughen up their soft centre.

José Giménez, Atletico Madrid

According to reports, Arsenal have lined up the 23 year-old Giménez as a potential signing this summer after admitting defeat in their pursuit of Stefan de Vrij. The Uruguayan centre back, capped 37 times by his country, has made 69 league appearances for Diego Simeone’s side but started just 12 this season. A pure defender, Giménez is great in the air and loves to get stuck in. His physical style could be perfect for the Premier League and his age means he could be an Arsenal fixture for years to come.