Arsenal have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Southampton defender Jose Fonte, according to ESPN.
Both teams want to sign a new defender before the end of the summer transfer window.
The Gunners are in desperate need of a new central defender after Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista both suffered long-term injuries in pre-season.
The 32-year-old knows that this might be his only chance to join a top European club.
He says to be flattered by the attention he is receiving from the Red Devils but also that he wants to respect his contract with the Saints.
"If the interest in there, it is a reason to be flattered to be associated with a club like Manchester United," he told Mais Futebol.
"But I have a contract with Southampton, and I'm just focused on my work, to make a great season.
"I will not deny that Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world and that it makes me happy to be associated with it. But to be Manchester United's player is a big difference."
