Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is making Toulouse ace Etienne Capoue his No1 midfield transfer target. The Telegraph says Capoue has been watched extensively and, as well as offering additional physical strength in central midfield, he would provide extra cover at centre-back.

Arsenal did not directly replace Alex Song last summer, with Mikel Arteta being largely relied upon this season to perform the screening role in front of the defence.