Arsenal approach for Jérémy Mathieu

Arsenal have began negotiations with Barcelona to bring French defender Jeremy Mathieu to the Emirates this summer. The Gunners are in dire need of a new centre-half after Gabriel joined Per Mertesacker in the injury table.

SFR Sport says the Gunners have made a move for the 32-year-old, who has previously snubbed a switch to Besiktas.

Mathieu has seen his position come under threat at Camp Nou with the likes of Lucas Digne and Samuel Umtiti having signed for Barca in the transfer window.

The defender currently has two years left on his contract, and Barcelona are unlikely to come in his way, should a Champions League side table an offer for his services.

The Frenchman, who is equally adept playing in the centre-back and left-back positions, joined the Spanish champions from Valencia in 2014. He failed to make France's squad for Euro 2016 after he sustained a calf problem just prior to the tournament.