"?Arsenal have turned their attentions to Bayern Munich defender Mehdi Benatia after the deal for hard-tackling midfielder Granit Xhaka edges closer to completion.
The 29-year old central defender joined the Bundesliga champions for €26m from AS Roma in 2014, however with the likes of David Alaba and Jerome Boateng offering strong competition, his first-team opportunities have been lacking.
According to "?reports in France, Manchester United and Chelsea are set to battle it out with Arsenal for the signing of Benatia.
However, the Gunners look the most likely option, with Arsene Wenger seeking a defensive reinforcements after indifferent campaigns from Per Mertasacker and Gabriel.
If the Moroccan international is to go ahead and sign for Arsenal, he would be the Gunners' second signing of the season after a deal for Borussia Moenchengladbach's Granit Xhaka is all but completed.
The 23-year old was "?pictured in an Arsenal shirt following a reported medical in North London.
It's expected that if both signings go through, Arsenal won't stop there as striking reinforcements are desperately needed after the news of Danny Welbeck's nine month absence with a serious knee-injury.
One man tipped to join Arsenal is Juventus' Spanish forward "?Alvaro Morata, who could be available for around £50m.
However, Arsene Wenger will have to wait on Real Madrid, as they have a clause allowing them to buy-back Morata at a fraction of his asking price.