Arsenal make approach for Chelsea defender

Arsenal are reported to have made a shock enquiry over the availability of Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma this summer. The France international is expected to be out for the start of next season after he damaged his anterior cruciate ligaments.

The Gunners are on the look out for a new centre-back with Per Mertesacker approaching the final years of his professional career.

According to Italian transfer expert Emanuele Giulianelli, manager Arsene Wenger has made contact with future Blues boss Antonio Conte regarding a swoop for the former Saint-Etienne graduate.

Zouma, 21, had been closely watched by the Gunners before he made his way to Stamford Bridge in 2014.