Arsenal 'to push for Aymeric Laporte deal'

Arsenal have reportedly turned their attention to signing Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte after deeming a move for Mats Hummels to be too expensive.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has made no secret of his wish to recruit a new centre-back when the transfer window reopens in January, with Hummels said to be his number one target.

However, a report in The Express claims that Arsenal are not willing to pay the rumoured £31.5m valuation for the Germany international, and will instead focus on bringing Laporte to the Emirates Stadium.

It is suggested that Wenger, who has kept a close eye on the 20-year-old after seeing him shine for the France Under-21s side, is now ready to make a bid to test Bilbao's resolve.

Laporte has featured 14 times for the La Liga outfit this season.