Arsenal have identified West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans as the one to take over from injured captain Laurent Koscielny.
The France international has been ruled out for six months after undergoing surgery on his ankle, ending his chances of playing in the 2018 World Cup this summer with his national team.
Evans has been linked with the Gunners during last summer's transfer window but he eventually decided to stay with the Baggies.
The Northern Irishman is also a target for champions Manchester City and Leicester City according to reports in Italy.
He has a market transfer value of £3million.
The fee is part of a transfer clause in the 30-year-old's contract in the event that the Baggies went down to the Championship.
They were relegated after finishing last in the English Premier League after suffering 19 defeats in the campaign.
