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Arsenal transfer news: Arsene Wenger plots double swoop for defenders Omer Toprak and Simon Kjaer

Gunners boss may turn his attentions elsewhere if he can't complete a deal to sign Shkodran Mustafi

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ARSENAL will look to solve their injury crisis in central defence by attempting to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Omer Toprak and Simon Kjaer of Fenerbache.

Boss Arsene Wenger had to start with the inexperienced duo of Rob Holding and Calum Chambers in the 4-3 defeat of Liverpool with Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista facing spells on the sidelines.

 Omer Toprak attempts to challenge Lionel Messi in the Champions League
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Omer Toprak attempts to challenge Lionel Messi in the Champions LeagueCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Simon Kjaer in action for Denmark against England
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Simon Kjaer in action for Denmark against EnglandCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

The Gunners chief has stated his intention to bolster his defensive options and is thought to be closing in on Valencia's Shokdran Mustafi.

But the deal for Mustafi has been thrown into doubt after his club revealed that no agreement has been made - although the player's agent was in London.

According to , Toprak and Kjaer are alternatives if Wenger fails to land his prime target.

Toprak, 27, joined Leverkusen in 2011 and has cemented his place in the side, establishing himself as one of the Bundesliga's most reliable defenders.

 Shkodran Mustafi could still sign for Arsenal
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Shkodran Mustafi could still sign for Arsenal

Wenger could also move for Kjaer, an experienced Denmark international with 59 caps to his name.

Fenerbache only signed Kjaer from Lille in 2015 and would be reluctant to let him leave but it is believed he could be available at the right price.

The Gunners manager will also look to tie up a deal to sign Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette before the end of the transfer window.

The France international scored an impressive hat-trick in the club's 3-0 victory over Nancy but then declared he was "happy" at the Ligue 1 side.

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