Arsenal on the verge of completing the signing of top-rated defensive midfielder

Reports according to The Daily Express states that Arsenal are on the verge of completing a permanent move for Atletico Madrid star Mario Suarez as the Spanish giants seem to have great interest in Liverpool's Lucas Leiva who will serve as his replacement.

Signing a defensive midfielder had been a top priority for the Gunners since the departure of Alex Song to Barcelona in the summer of 2012. We have seen the likes of Francis Coquelin, Mikel Arteta and others who have tried to fill the void eversince then but you will all agree that Arsenal still lacks a lot in the defensive midfield position.

It is believed that Arsene Wenger had a plan to take a gamble by utilizing Coquelin for a while before the club is able to secure a defensive midfield signing, but the situation of things at the Emirates Stadium has changed. Therefore, a defensive midfielder in the person of Mario Suarez could be joining the Londoners before the January transfer window is shut.

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone is not willing to part with the 27-year old midfielder but says the decision could be out of his hands at the moment.

"What would we do if an important offer came in for him? You'd have to ask [sporting directors] Jose Luis Caminero and Andrea Berta." he said.

Mario Suarez's presence will be of great help to the Gunners considering his level of first team experience as a defensive midfielder. The only source of worry for the manager and fans is that Suarez is the kind of player who gets booked too often due to his on-field behaviour. Wenger has got a lot of work to do concerning that aspect if the club finally sign him.