Mikel Arteta wants to sign RB Leipzig defender

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen on landing the signature of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig this summer.

The Gunners are currently loaded with central defensive options, but a few of  them could be shown the exit door.

According to Standard Sport, Arteta is already planning for next season and Konate is one of the players on his radar.

It is added that Champions League qualification could be necessary to lure him amid competition from some of Europe's elite clubs.

The Gunners have yet to make a decision over David Luiz's future and there are suggestions that he could leave when his contract expires in June.

Elsewhere, Calum Chambers and Kostas Mavropanos are also facing summer exits as part of the rebuild planned.

Konate has suffered multiple injuries over the past 18 months, but he has still been linked with several high-profile teams.

He has a release clause worth £45m on his contract and would become the Gunners' most expensive defender if signed this summer.

The Gunners are currently eight points adrift of the top four and may need to win the Europa League to secure a Champions League berth.