Arsenal interested in signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton?

Arsenal are eyeing up Aston Villa's Tom Heaton to become their new back-up goalkeeper, according to a report.

The Gunners sold Emiliano Martinez to the Villans in the summer and replacement Alex Runarsson has struggled to adapt.

Runarsson is likely to be loaned out before the January transfer window closes, but only if a new keeper to rival Bernd Leno can first be signed.

The Daily Mail claims that Mikel Arteta has set his sights on Heaton, who lost his place in the Villa side over a year ago after sustaining a long-term injury.

England international Heaton, formerly on Manchester United's books, has yet to play a minute of first-team football this season.