Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is chasing Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.
The Daily Star says the French defender is wanted by a host of Premier League clubs after struggling to dislodge Pepe and Sergio Ramos at the heart of Real's defence.
Varane is wanted by former boss Jose Mourinho at Chelsea while Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is also a fan.
However, Arsene Wenger's determination to strengthen his defence in January has seen the Frenchman look at his compatriot.
It has been suggested that Varane could cost as little as £19m while other sources indicate that Real want at least £30m for the starlet.
Gunners scout Gilles Grimandi admits they hesitated moving for Varane when he was with Lens.
"It's easier to help a striker grow because you can ask him to do whatever he wants on the pitch and show off his talent," he said in Le Parisien.
"Making a defender into a first team player takes more time because it's a position which requires maturity, even if Raphael Varane is an exception."
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