Arsenal turn to Davide Astori

Arsenal have intensified their search for a centre-back with Fiorentina's Davide Astori being their new target. The Italian was successful in his loan stint at La Viola last term, and this earned him a permanent contract this summer.

The 29-year-old has emerged as a possible option for the Gunners, who have Laurent Koscielny as the only experienced centre-half after Gabriel and Per Mertesacker were ruled out through injury.

The Gunners were earlier tipped to sign Valencia star Shkodran Mustafi but his £29m asking price has put a stall on a proposed agreement.

Astori is available for a fee of around £12m, which is something of a bargain for the North London giants, who have been reluctant to spend big on defensive recruits.

The centre-back has earned 11 caps with his national team till date.