Arsenal join Marseille, Borussia Dortmund in pursuit of Juventus centre-back

Arsenal are reportedly set to compete with the likes of Marseille and Borussia Dortmund in the pursuit of Juventus defender Mehdi Benatia.

The Gunners are said to be eyeing defensive reinforcements for the summer following the retirement of Per Mertesacker and a long-term injury sustained by Laurent Koscielny.

According to The Sun, Gunners head of recruitment Sven Mislintat is looking into a possible move for Benatia, who has been deemed surplus to requirements at the Bianconeri.

Benatia has struggled to hold down to a regular starting role during his two seasons with the Turin giants and the Serie A holders are now willing to offload him to bring in a younger replacement.

The Moroccan has often played a backup role to the first XI and he managed just 19 league starts last term as the Bianconeri were crowned the Serie A champions for the seventh straight season.