Arsenal are watching Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.

The Daily Mirror says the 22-year-old France Under-21 international is a capable of playing anywhere across the back line or as a defensive midfielder, and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is looking to bolster his defensive options.

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew is looking to add to his French contingent with a £7million summer bid, but Wenger is keen to rival him.