Arsenal are reportedly lining up a £53m deal to sign defender Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli this summer.
The Gunners face a summer of change with Arsene Wenger stepping down as manager after 22 years following a campaign which has seen them post their lowest finish and lowest points tally under the Frenchman.
Arsenal ended the season with the worst defensive record in the top seven and their own highest number of goals conceded since 1983-84, and so have been looking for defensive reinforcements to bolster their backline next term.
The Express reports that the club have identified centre-back Koulibaly as an ideal option to shore up the heart of their defence, which has also been left weakened by a long-term injury to Laurent Koscielny and the retirement of Per Mertesacker.
However, Arsenal would face stiff competition for the signature of Koulibaly, who has also been linked with Chelsea and Barcelona.
The North London outfit are otherwise understood to be considering a move for Jonny Evans, who is available for just £3m following West Bromwich Albion's relegation from the Premier League.
Barney Corkhill
