Arsenal are pushing to trump all rivals to the signing of Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.

The Daily Express says Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is now weighing up a £45million move for the Dutch centre-half.

Wenger has already broken the club's transfer record to bring in Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette a fortnight ago.

And now he is looking to bolster his backline after his side finished outside of the top four and missed out on Champions League qualification last season.

Holland international Van Dijk is very much a man in demand with Premier League rivals Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea also interested in the 26-year-old.

Although St Mary's officials want £60m for Van Dijk, the Gunners will still plough ahead with a starting £45m offer.