Arsenal are reportedly lining up a January bid to sign Juventus defender Medhi Benatia.
Gunners boss Unai Emery is considering defensive reinforcements when the transfer window reopens, having seen Laurent Koscielny, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Konstantinos Mavropanos all spend time on the sidelines this season.
Rob Holding has established himself as a first-team regular alongside Shkodran Mustafi in the trio's absence, but Emery is still on the lookout for other options and Tuttomercato claims that they have identified Benatia as a possible target.
Benatia is understood to be open to the idea of leaving the Italian champions in search of more regular first-team football, having made just five appearances for the club across all competitions this season.
The 31-year-old is behind Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci in the pecking order at the Allianz Stadium, while Andrea Barzagli and Daniele Rugani also provide further competition for places.
AC Milan are also thought to have registered their interest in Benatia, who could be available for as little as £13m.
Barney Corkhill
