Report: Arsenal enter race to sign defender Neven Subotic

Arsenal have joined the race to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic, according to a report.

The 27-year-old has been given permission to speak to other clubs after announcing his intention to leave the Westfalenstadion this summer.

Liverpool, Sunderland, Stoke City and Middlesbrough are all thought to have shown an interest in Subotic, with the latter said to have held talks on Friday afternoon over a potential transfer.

However, it has been claimed by German publication Express that Arsenal are now leading the way for the centre-back's signature and are prepared to offer around £12m - £8m more than Dortmund's initial rumoured asking price.

Subotic has spent eight years with the German giants since joining from Mainz 05.