Report: Arsenal want Saint-Etienne's Loic Perrin

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is poised to launch a January bid for Saint-Etienne captain Loic Perrin, according to reports.

The 29-year-old can play across the defence and in central midfield, and is a regular in the Saint-Etienne side that currently sits fourth in Ligue 1.

It is this versatility that has impressed Wenger, and the Gunners manager is ready to meet Perrin's £6m valuation, according to The Mirror.

Wenger is dealing with a shortage of first-team defenders as injuries have cut short his options at the back, and Perrin could make his move to the Emirates Stadium at the start of the transfer window.

Perrin, who has made 227 appearances for Saint-Etienne since making his debut in 2003, would also be available for Arsenal's Champions League campaign.