Arsenal boss Unai Emery has approved a move for Juventus defender Medhi Benatia in January.

TMW says the Gunners are vying to bring him to North London in the winter transfer window as Emery looks to build on his solid start with more defensive reinforcements

It has been claimed that the Old Lady are demanding just £13million for the 31-year-old with Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli all preferred instead.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is also keeping tabs on Benatia having failed to land a centre-back in the summer.

And the ex-Bayern Munich stalwart - who is tied down in Turin until 2020 - recently revealed he has grown frustrated of sitting on the bench.

"It's normal that I'm not enjoying it, I'm 31 and I want to play as much as possible," said Benatia this week. "January? Let's see what happens, how I'm used, if Juve still need me, if Allegri wants me.

"I'm available to the team, as long as I'm here I'll give my all. If I'm needed in the Champions League I'll be ready."