Arsenal are being dubbed as favourites to sign Napoli full-back Faouzi Ghoulam, according to reports.
The Gunners have recently announced to signing of Petr Cech and are looking to further improve the defensive aspect of their squad, with both Ghoulam and Ezequiel Garay firmly linked with moves to the Emirates this summer.
The former applies his trade at left-back for Serie A side Napoli, following a transfer from Saint-Etienne last year, and has impressed during his tenure under Rafa Benitez. The Algerian international has made 51 appearances for Partenopei since his arrival but is tipped to leave the club following a successful season and World Cup.
The Gunners reportedly lead the race to sign the 24-year-old ahead of Premier League rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, while Real Madrid are also linked following the managerial appointment of Benitez.
Ghoulam partook in 38 games in all competitions last season, despite missing just under a month’s worth of club football due to duties at the African Cup of Nations. The defender likes to get forward and put crosses into the area, something that could prove beneficial for Olivier Giroud.
Doubts cast over Monreal and Gibbs
The North London outfit’s interest in Ghoulam and Jeffrey Schlupp, who signed a contract extension with Leicester last week, has subsequently caused speculation over Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs’ futures after they shared first team responsibilities last campaign.
The latter has held down the position for a number of seasons, follow Gael Clichy’s departure, but an impressive 2015 for his Spanish team-mate restricted Gibbs to just seven league appearances since the turn of the year.
Arsene Wenger will launch a £9m bid for the former Saint-Etienne man, a Europa League semi-finalist with his club last season, and could join Petr Cech in the Arsenal ranks following the goalkeeper’s transfer from Chelsea.
The FA Cup holders have looked increasingly active in the transfer market, despite recently ending their interest in Arturo Vidal. The club will now turn their attention to long-term target, William Carvalho, following the European under-21 Championships in the Czech Republic along with centre-back Ezequiel Garay.
