Arsenal Transfers: 5 Defenders To Replace Thomas Vermaelen

2. Ashley Williams

Wales and Swansea City skipper Williams has been linked to the Gunners consistently throughout 2013. Should Wenger firm up this apparent interest in the 29-year-old then it would complete one remarkable journey. Williams has worked his way up from the bottom of the Football League, first with Stockport County and then his rise took off as Swansea climbed the pyramid. That vast experience of English football would benefit Arsenal. With two seasons in the Premier League under his belt, Williams has certainly proven he can up his game and play at higher levels. His peak at the Emirates would probably be short, however. Williams represented a short-term stop gap to a long haul problem. In recent seasons Wenger has been prepared to buy British. Fellow Welshman Aaron Ramsey and England cap Carl Jenkinson are evidence of that.