ARSENAL are plotting a summer swoop for Sevilla defender Diego Carlos.
A host of European clubs are tracking the 27-year-old Brazilian, including several Premier League sides.
Now The Telegraph claims Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu want him as part of their squad overhaul.
Despite having seven centre-backs on their books, the pair have identified their backline as their main weakness.
Sokratis and Calum Chambers are both believed to be available for sale while Pablo Mari and Shokdran Mustafi will both still be sidelined through injury when the new season kicks-off.
William Saliba is back from St Etienne and the 19-year-old will be given a chance next term.
But David Luiz, 33, and Rob Holding are the only senior men Arteta has faith in, but Kieran Tierney has also played as part of a three-man defence.
Carlos’ form for Sevilla has alerted a host of big guns to his talents.
He is under contract until June 2024 and has a release clause of £68m – although the Gunners could struggle to meet that.
However, it is believed Sevilla would be willing to accept a deal worth around £54.5m.
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Arteta still has work to do with regards to clearing space on the wage bill.
He is already trying to offload midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.
And he is desperate to get £350,000-a-week winger Mesut Ozil out of the club.
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