Arsenal's Arsene Wenger: 'It's been difficult to buy defenders'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he struggled to find defenders in the transfer market.

The Gunners were linked with Greek international Kostas Manolas following Thomas Vermaelen's departure to Barcelona.

However, the North London outfit ended up with just six senior defenders for four positions by the time the window closed on September 1.

The Gunners will be without summer arrival Mathieu Debuchy for three months after he underwent ankle surgery, while Nacho Monreal also remains on the sidelines.

"We have been unlucky to lose Monreal and Debuchy but it's very difficult to buy defenders in this market," Wenger said in this morning's press conference.

Arsenal will take on North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates tomorrow.