Arsenal are considering making a last minute offer to Valenciennes for defender Gaetan Bong after an injury to Kieran Gibbs left under-fire left-back Andre Santos as the only specialist option for Arsene Wenger.

Thomas Vermalen does have the ability to operate at left-back but the Daily Mail believes that Wenger has run out of patience with Santos and is now willing to find a replacement on the final day of the January transfer window.

Gaetan Bong
Gaetan Bong holds off Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis [Reuters]

Santos has been heavily criticised by supporters for his performances for Arsenal this season and was once again roundly booed as he came on for the injured Gibbs in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Wednesday night.

Wenger confirmed that the thigh strain picked up by Gibbs would keep him out of action for three weeks which comes as a major blow as the young defender had firmly established himself as first choice.

"Gibbs has a thigh strain and that rules him out for the next three weeks - it is a big blow for us," said Wenger.

"I'll see what I can do. Gibbs was a big player for us going forward and in the game we want to play. I cannot promise you any transfers. We work on it. We want an official extension of the window for one week."

The Mail believes that Arsenal will turn their attention to Bong who previously played alongside Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud just over three years ago in the French second division.

The two Arsenal players have quickly adapted to playing in the English top flight and it seems Wenger may well believe that Bong can also make the transition.

The 24-year-old is a Cameroon international and has been a regular in the Valenciennes side this season, making 15 appearances.

Under-fire defender Santos has himself been linked with a return to Fenerbahce just 18 months after leaving the Turkish club for €7million.