Panic has well and truly struck at Arsenal.
With Per Mertesacker out injured for the foreseeable future, fans are becoming increasingly concerned that Arsene Wenger will opt against signing an able replacement, despite insisting he is on the lookout for one.
Indeed, with the German out of the picture, Arsenal now have Calum Chambers, Gabriel Paulista and Rob Holding to choose from alongside Laurent Koscielny.
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A number of European centre-backs have since been linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium - Skhodran Mustafi is reportedly available for €25 million - but it would seem Wenger is already preparing for life without Mertesacker.
That's because earlier today, Francis Coquelin said on Arsenal's snapchat account that he's been training at centre-back (see below).
"I'VE BEEN BOSSING IT..."
The Evening Standard have since relayed Coquelin's somewhat worrying announcement, with fans absolutely furious.
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In the aftermath of Mertesacker's untimely injury, Wenger revealed that "experience" is what he is looking for in any potential new recruit.
He said: "We have to look for an option to get a bit more experience.
"We will see some of our young centre backs on Thursday as well. With Per being out, we are a bit short on the experience front and we are looking to bring somebody in."
Fans' worries are perhaps a bit premature, though, considering the new Premier League season doesn't start for another two-and-a-half weeks.
A lot can happen between now and August 14, and even Wenger will be aware of the fact that his side cannot sustain a title challenge without further additions being made.
However, should Arsenal enter their clash with Liverpool having not signed a new centre-back, supporters will have every right to be fearful of what the 2016/17 term holds.
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