Report: Arsenal join Chelsea in race to sign Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij

Arsenal have expressed an interest in bringing Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij to the Emirates Stadium, according to reports.

The Netherlands international is under contract at the Serie A side until 2018, but is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal amid a reported breakdown in talks between player and club.

According to talkSPORT, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is monitoring the situation closely, although London rivals Chelsea are also said to be keen on De Vrij.

The 24-year-old has made 40 league appearances for the Biancocelesti since arriving from Dutch giants Feyenoord in 2014.