Arsene Wenger wanted to sign a defender during the January transfer window to strengthen his side’s leaky defence.

Arsenal came out of the January transfer window in decent shape after securing the signings of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Wenger, though, has admitted that we didn’t get everything done as we were unable to sign a defender.

“Did we get everything done? No. What I wanted to do, we have done. I couldn’t do everything. I wanted to do more,” Wenger told the press, as reported by the Evening Standard.

aubameyang mkhitaryan
Photo: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC/Getty Images

“Yes [I regret not getting a defender], because our defensive numbers are not good enough and that’s where we needed some possible strengthening as well. We have to improve our defensive numbers. We want to go in the top four. 

“I believe we have to find an internal solution to our defensive problems, and that means everyone putting more effort in. But overall I am happy with the way things went in the transfer market.

“Defensively, it is not a lack of effort, it is a lack of focus in vital moments of the game. Sometimes we do it well, and sometimes not. 

“For example, at Swansea we had 75 per cent possession and you always think to attack, attack and you forget to defend when you lose the ball because you are so obsessed with wanting to win the game. It is always difficult to find the balance when you have so much of the ball. 

“I don’t want to come out on any specific names – I think not is more of a team problem and a responsibility problem. Take individual responsibility for your defensive role.”

Arsenal’s 34 goals conceded in 25 league games is the worst record in the so-called top six and puts them on par with the likes of Brighton and West Brom.

There are too many issues with Arsenal’s defending to count. A single new centre back would not have solved them all.

Against Swansea, several problems stemmed from a lack of midfield protection.

Granit Xhaka, especially, was disappointing as he let Sam Clucas go for their first goal.

SWANSEA, WALES - JANUARY 30: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal tackles Jordan Ayew of Swansea City during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Arsenal at Liberty Stadium on January 30, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Nonetheless, it seems a centre back could be on Arsenal’s agenda for the summer transfer window.

The club have a long-standing interest in Jonny Evans, but failed with a late bid on deadline day.

It means our current group of defenders, plus the midfielders, have to improve their performances for the remainder of this season.