Arsenal are in desperate need of some defensive cover - with Thomas Vermaelen the only established central defender in the squad.

Lorient Koscielny has played just one Premier League game while Johan Djourou spent most of last season injured. The 30-year-old Squillani would provide Gunners' fans with much relief, but they shouldn't get their hopes up yet.

In comments reported by the club's official website, Wenger said: "There is not a lot to say but he [Squillaci] is one of the players we look at.

"It is easier on the goalkeeper front because we are not short of numbers. With central defenders we are short number-wise so we look at him and he's one of the defenders we look at.

"But we are far from being close to signing him."

Djourou will almost certainly start for the Gunners alongside Vermaelen against Blackpool on Saturday, with Alex Song providing cover in the midfield.