"?Arsenal are considering a transfer move for Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba, "?according to HITC.
Mbemba, 22, was a rare bright spark in Newcastle's poor Premier League campaign last season, appearing in 33 Premier League matches as his side suffered relegation to the Championship.
Mbemba moved to Newcastle last year after impressing in the Belgian Pro League with Anderlecht, and is now thought to be on Arsenal's radar with the North London club desperate to complete a deal for a centre-back before the transfer deadline passes.
The Gunners have been heavily linked with Valencia's Shkodran Mustafi, but that deal now looks unlikely after the Spanish club confirmed that the German was still very much part of their plans.
Having been rebuffed by Valencia, Arsenal have now turned to Newcastle's Mbemba, and a deal shouldn't be too tricky to complete should Arsenal meet the Magpies' asking fee. A HITC source reportedly confirmed that the deal could be completed quickly should Arsenal be willing to give up around £15m for the DR Congo international.
"Mbemba is very much on Arsenal's radar now, they have already done their homework and know the price, it would not be a complicated deal to get over the line," the source stated.
Arsenal are keen on making a move for Mbemba, given that he has already proven his worth in the Premier League, and after looking at a whole host of players Arsene Wenger's side have turned their attentions to completing a deal for the former Anderlecht defender.
With both Per Mertesacker and Gabriel currently sidelined through injury, new signing Rob Holding has had to start both Premier League matches so far this season with varying degrees of success, conceding four goals against Liverpool on the first weekend before keeping a clean sheet alongside Laurent Koscielny against Leicester.
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