Arsenal on cusp on securing £8m defender, but what does it mean for current crop?

Arsenal are on the brink on completing an £8m transfer for Swansea centre-back Ashley Williams, according to Goal.com. Perhaps when Arsene Wenger labelled his trio of central defenders – Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen -some of the best in Europe, he was just trying to have a laugh.

Williams has been instrumental in the Swansea backline again this season, making 35 appearances, completing 52% of his attempted duels and accumulated a pass success of 86%. He makes 16 defensive actions per game on average and has made just two defensive errors which have led to the opposition scoring.

But if Williams arrives in north London in the summer, what does that mean for the Gunners captain Vermaelen? He and Koscielny have shared the position next to Mertesacker this season and both have impressed at stages. However, the Belgian defender is said to be frustrated with not being first choice and will leave the club in order to find more starts elsewhere.

Koscielny has also been linked with a move away with Barcelona supposedly interested in the Frenchman’s services. They were reportedly ready to make a £20m offer in an attempt to solidify their backline for next season.

Either way Wenger will be happy, and I am sure he and his bosses are rubbing their hands at the thought of flogging either of them for the sort of money being touted.