Fulham have reportedly emerged as surprise contenders to rival Arsenal for the signature of Juventus defender Mehdi Benatia.
The Gunners have been linked with Benatia on numerous occasions this month, with the possibility of him being included as part of the deal to take Aaron Ramsey in the opposite direction being mooted.
Unai Emery is keen to bolster his defensive options and sees the 31-year-old as a potential target to sign on loan after admitting that the club cannot afford to make any permanent signings this month.
However, The Mirror reports that Fulham are lining up an ambitious bid to hijack any Arsenal move as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of a relegation battle.
Claudio Ranieri's side currently sit 19th in the Premier League table and seven points from safety with only 15 games remaining.
Benatia is understood to be eager to leave Juventus as soon as possible in search of more regular first-team football, although Fulham could face additional competition for his signature from AC Milan and Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad.
Barney Corkhill
