Arsenal interested in signing Juventus centre-back

Arsenal are reportedly planning a move for Juventus defender Mehdi Benatia, who could be available for a fee of around £20m this summer.

New Gunners boss Unai Emery is understood to be working in close quarters with head of recruitement Sven Mislintat to bolstering the club's backline after the club finished a disappointing sixth last season.

According to Le10Sport, Mislintat has earmarked Benatia as another possible option to strengthen the central defensive department and it is said that the Bianconeri are open to his sale.

The 31-year-old has been with the Bianconeri for the past two seasons with the initial one being on loan but the Turin giants are prepared to offload the Moroccan this summer as they seek to bring in younger defenders.

Aside from Benatia, the Turin giants are also considering the positions of Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini as they prepare themselves for a new era at the back.

Veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has already confirmed that he would be leaving the club at the expiry of his contract and he has since been linked with a switch to Paris Saint-Germain.