Arsenal have been quoted prices to sign Dayot Upamecano and Daniele Rugani as Unai Emery looks to recruit defensive reinforcements before the summer transfer window closes.
The Gunners conceded 51 goals in the Premier League last season – more than Newcastle United, Leicester City and Everton – and Emery is keen to bolster his options ahead of the new campaign.
Arsenal agreed a £27million move for William Saliba last month but the French defender will not arrive at the Emirates until next summer after being sent back to Saint-Etienne on loan.
Emery’s squad has also been strengthened by the signings of Nicolas Pepe from Lille and Daniel Cabellos on loan from Real Madrid, but defence remains an area the Gunners are looking at.
With hopes of signing Celtic ace Kieran Tierney fading, Arsenal have reportedly identified France U21 international Upamecano as their top defensive target ahead of transfer deadline day.
Reports on Monday claimed Arsenal had submitted a bid in excess of £55m for the RB Leipzig defender, who has enjoyed two productive seasons in the Bundesliga.
That offer is likely to be rejected, however, as The Guardian say Leipzig have informed Arsenal that it will cost £70m to secure a last-minute deal for Upamecano.
The north Londoners have also expressed interest in signing Italy defender Rugani from Serie A champions Juventus and were said to be in talks over a deal this week.
But Arsenal are now said to be considering a loan move for the 25-year-old, having been quoted a price of £50m to buy him outright this summer.
Emery is especially keen to sign a defender before Thursday’s deadline with Laurent Koscielny almost certain to leave the Emirates.
The Frenchman refused to travel on Arsenal’s pre-season tour and is pushing for a return to Ligue 1 with both Bordeaux and Rennes interested in striking a deal.
Emery was asked about his plans for the remainder of the transfer window on Sunday, following Arsenal’s 2-1 pre-season friendly defeat to Barcelona.
The Gunners boss said: ‘It has not changed, our idea and our message.
‘Only if we can sign a player who really, really can improve our squad, then we are going to do that. If not, then not.
‘We have good competitive players to achieve or try to achieve our target this season and we are going to be looking at something if we can sign someone, but with this idea.
‘Only, and only, if we can improve.’
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