Arsenal have reportedly begun negotiations over a summer move for Marseille defender Nicolas Nkoulou.
The 22-year-old is one of the most highly thought of players in the French league at the moment and has been on Arsenal's radar for nearly five years.
The Cameroon international has been the backbone of Marseille's defense over the last couple of seasons, and could finally be ready to test himself in the English Premier League.
Nkoulou has interested the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, AC Milan, Real Madrid and Barcelona, but Arsene Wenger has reportedly moved first in a bid to land the young defender, with talks over a summer move already taking place with Marseille, according to reports in France and Italy.
Newcastle were also linked with a move for Nkoulou, but saw their bid rejected in the January transfer window.
The Gunners have made strengthening their squad in the summer a priority, in order to be able to compete for the English Premier League title -- something they haven't done over the past few years.
Arsenal are also on the lookout for a forward, with David Villa and Stevan Jovetic the prime targets, while a defensive midfielder in either Etienne Capoue and Victor Wanyama have also been mooted.
Wenger is also in the market for an experienced goalkeeper, with Asmir Begovic and Pepe Reina the prime targets, while a bid for Victor Valdes cannot also be ruled out.
Another defender who might possibly be available in the summer is French international and PSG man Mamadou Sakho, who admitted he might leave the French club at the end of the season.
"I will do everything to play at the 2014 World Cup, but I need to be playing week in, week out," Sakho said
"I cannot accept playing just a few minutes this season and next because this is a decisive moment in my career.'
"At the end of the season I will sit down with my agent and club officials and clear up the situation.'
"I adore the Premier League.
"If I have to leave PSG to keep my place in the France national team, then I have no choice but to leave."
