Arsenal have moved to beat Tottenham to the signature of FC Cologne defender Kevin Wimmer.

The Daily Star says the 22-year-old looked poised to move to White Hart Lane for a fee of £5m in the summer but Arsene Wenger has other ideas.

Despite recruiting Gabriel Paulista in the January transfer window, Gunners chief Wenger is keen on bolstering his defence further.

Frenchman Wimmer has been given assurances by Per Mertesacker that he would fit in well at the Emirates.