Arsenal tried to make “expensive” defensive signings, says Unai Emery amid David Luiz links

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has admitted the club have been priced out of signing “important” defensive players, but are still looking for a centre-back.

With the close of the Premier League’s transfer window looming, Arsenal fans are still hoping the club will do some business to bolster their defence after making impressive attacking signings.

Arsenal have already lost one centre-back in Laurent Koscienly, after the Frenchman’s controversial departure to Bordeaux, while new signing William Saliba was loaned back to Saint-Etienne.

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Following Koscielny’s exit, Arsenal were linked with a move for RB Leipzig’s promising centre-back Dayot Upamecano but have reportedly now turned their attention to Chelsea defender David Luiz, with the Brazilian keen to join.

And Emery has confirmed Arsenal are still looking for a centre-back, despite being priced out of their main targets.

“If we can on the last day, we will try to sign another centre-back, but one who has the capacity to help us,” Emery told Sky Sports.

“We have a lot of defensive players. Maybe, it is different when Laurent Koscielny tells us he wanted to leave.

“We are finding the possibility to add another centre-back, but only if he can help us in our performance. We are working on that.

“I’m happy with our defensive players. We are working in the last minute, we are also taking the possibility that we can add some more players who can help us with good performance.

“We tried to sign some important, expensive players for our defence. But when we can’t do that, the second line players don’t really convince us to sign them.”

David Luiz reportedly trained away from Chelsea’s first team on Wednesday as he looks to push through a move to Arsenal on the final day of the transfer window.

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Will Arsenal sign a centre-back? Five things to know…

• Arsenal have had a good transfer window, bolstering their squad.
• Nicolas Pepe and Dani Ceballos have come in to add to the attack.
• But the Gunners are still looking short at the back following Laurent Koscielny’s departure.
• Emery has admitted he would like to sign a centre-back on the final day of the transfer window.
• Arsenal had been linked with a move for Upamecano, but Luiz now seems the likely option.