MIKEL Arteta is already lining up a plan B if his bid for Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes fails.
Arsenal have been battling Manchester United and Napoli for the 22-year-old Brazilian’s signature.
And they appear to have beaten the Italians to it after they failed to offload Kalidou Koulibaly in time to raise the £25million needed to bring in Magalhaes.
However, the deal is not yet done and Arteta is said to be keeping his options open, according to Goal.
The Spaniard, 38, had been monitoring 22-year-old French starlet Axel Disasi before he completed his move from Reims to Monaco for £12m earlier this month.
He is also said to have held talks with fellow French youngster Malang Sarr, 21, who is a free agent after leaving Nice.
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There are fears though that Arsenal left their negotiations too late, with clubs in Germany and Italy, including Torino, ready to steal a march.
RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano, 21, has also been a long-term target for Arsenal, having shone in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
The Frenchman appeared to quash all transfer talk after penning a new deal with the German side.
But that contract includes a £40m release clause that can be activated next year.
However, the Gunners will face competition from Real Madrid if they make a bid next season, with Zinedine Zidane said to be a huge fan of his young compatriot.
Arteta will have centre back William Saliba, 19, at his disposal next season after he finally arrived at the Emirates following a season on loan at St Etienne.
And his long-term defensive options have been boosted further after adding former Spurs kid Jonathan Dinzeyi, 20, to the development squad.
