Arsenal are chasing St Etienne captain Loic Perrin. The Sunday Mirror says the 29­-year-­old is valued at around £6million - and it is his versatility that appeals to the Arsenal manager.

Perrin is a regular in central defence for St Etienne but he can also play at right back and a defensive midfield player.

Wenger has to deal with a succession of injuries to his defenders and has been forced to play left-back Nacho Monreal alongside Per Mertesacker at times this season.