Arsenal have deployed their chief scout to monitor the progress of Atalanta defender Timothy Castagne. The Belgian international right-back is wanted as a long-term replacement for the Gunners' struggling defence.

According to a report from Italy, the full-back, who began his career with Genk in his homeland, will make a January transfer move to the Premier League and that Arsenal are Castagne's preferred destination. Castagne arrived at Atalanta in 2017 and has already played in over 20 Serie A games for the club. Castagne also scored his first goal for Atalanta in Serie A this campaign. 

Castagne is valued by Atalanta at around 7.5 million euros and numerous teams are in the race to sign the defender, with interest from other Premier League teams including Wolves and Crystal Palace; whilst Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven also remain an option for the 6 foot 1 defender.

Castagne has three years remaining on his deal with Atalanta and is hopeful that a move to England will boost his chance of regular international football for his country, for whom he has appeared at every youth level.