Arsenal identify Serie A defender as prime winter target

Arsenal boss Unai Emery has reportedly earmarked Torino defender Nicolas N'Koulou as his sole target to strengthen the squad during the current transfer window.

The Gunners recently returned to winning ways with a 4-1 triumph over Fulham but the game witnessed them fail to keep yet another clean sheet in the Premier League.

According to Calciomercato, the Gunners boss is keen on signing one centre-back during the winter period and he has identified N'Koulou as his sole target to fulfil the requirement.

However, the north London side are unlikely to get the defender on the cheap and they may have to make a sizeable offer in order to tempt Torino into a mid-season deal.

Arsenal pursued Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund to strengthen the central defender during the summer but the Greek has not been entirely impressive with the regular switch in partners.

The north London side are currently without Rob Holding for the rest of the season following a serious knee injury while Nacho Monreal, who has occasionally featured in the central defence, has struggled with fitness concerns.