Arsenal identify back-up option for Kieran Tierney

Arsenal are expected to make an approach for Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand when his contract expires next month.

The England international will be available on a free transfer this summer, and the Gunners are planning to initiate talks.

According to The Star, the club have identified Bertrand as the ideal player to provide back-up to Kieran Tierney in the left-back role.

The club currently have just one specialist defender in the position in Kieran Tierney after loaning out Sead Kolasinac to Schalke 04.

Kolasinac will return to the club next month, but reports claim that they are unlikely to sell him for a nominal fee his summer.

They were linked with a move for Crystal Palace's Patrick van Aanholt in January, but nothing materialised beyond the speculation.

Van Aanholt's contract is also due to expire at the end of the campaign, but the Eagles are hopeful of committing him to a renewal.

Leeds United have been linked with the Dutchman's services lately.