Arsenal defender open to joining Bayern Munich?

Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin is reportedly open to the prospect of joining Bayern Munich when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season.

The Spaniard is regarded as a key player in the Gunners first-team but his influence has reduced over the past 18 months due to his injury and fitness concerns.

According to Bild, Bayern are aiming to land a new right-back during the summer, who can provide the back-up to Benjamin Pavard.

Ajax's Sergino Dest has been earmarked as the prime transfer target but the club are said to identified Bellerin as the alternative choice.

Bellerin has more than three years remaining on his Gunners deal but the hierarchy could be tempted to consider his sale, should they receive a reasonable offer.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta signed Cedric Soares on loan from Southampton earlier in January and reports have previously claimed that he wants the Portuguese to become the club's first-choice right-back.

Soares' contract with the Saints expires at the end of next month and the Gunners are in a strong position to sign him permanently. Soares was recovering from a knee injury earlier this year and has yet to make his debut for the club.