Matija Nastasic attracts Arsenal interest

Arsenal are reportedly set to make a move for Manchester City's Matija Nastasic, should club-captain Thomas Vermaelen leave the Emirates this summer.

Vermaelen is understood to be keen on a fresh challenge away from the Gunners, following the lack of first-team opportunities at the club last season. The Belgian international is well aware that the central defensive partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker would be hard to break, and is now willing to seek pastures elsewhere, with Manchester United interested in his services.

The Mail claims that the Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has identified Manchester City's out-of-favour defender Matija Nastasic as the ideal replacement for the skipper.

City are open to the sale of Nastasic, with Porto star Eliaquim Mangala expected to seal a deal at the Etihad in the near future.