According to reports, Arsenal are once again tracking the situation of Swansea defender Ashley Williams as the Gunners begin to reshape their defence.
Arsene Wenger has been a long-term admirer of the 31-year-old, who has been with the Swans for over eight years and battled through almost every league to get them to the top.
But following the shaky performances from Arsenal’s vice-captain Per Mertesacker, it looks as if the Gunners are ready to tempt Williams away from the Welsh side.
With another disappointing season that nearly spelled relegation for them, Swansea could be reluctant to lose their captain, who has 58 appearances for Wales.
A decent enough offer in double digits could be too much to turn down for a club that need to reinvest, and they could decide to cash in before Williams heads into his final years.
Wenger has to deal with losing a trio of players that have racked up over 600 appearances in a red and white shirt who offer vital experience both on and off the pitch.
For that reason it looks as if the Gunners are ready to pick up the transfer baton early and target a player who has international experience and is familiar with life in the Premier League.
Williams suits many of Wenger’s credentials and capturing the centre-back could allow younger players in the side to have someone to look at when coming through the ranks.