Just to add some perspective, this is what other teams with similar playing commitments as us started the last season with -
Manchester United - Vidic, Ferdinand, Evans, Smalling, Jones
Manchester City - Kompany, Nastasic, Lescott, Richards, Toure
Chelsea - Terry, Luiz, Ivanovic, Cahill
Tottenham - Kaboul, Verthongen, Dawson, Caulker, Gallas
So, do you really reckon Ashley Williams is too good for a role that is being occupied by Smalling, Jones, Richards, Toure, Cahill, Caulker or Gallas? Also, note that all those players were either home-grown or bought for a price around 8-10 million or even more. (Gallas being the only exception but he has an enviable pedigree and is currently the fifth choice)
Do you still think the likes of Ashley Williams or Winston Reid can not be a fourth choice for Arsenal?
We have had horrendous spells with the likes of Sylvestre, Squillaci and even Djourou playing for the side. When we finally get rid of all three of them if we choose to replace them with blank space, we are done for.