Arsenal have reportedly switched their focus to Fiorentina defender David Astori, with Arsene Wenger still desperately looking for value for money reinforcements.
The Gunners boss has been left short of options in central defence after both Per Mertesacker and Gabriel picked up long-term injuries in pre-season.
In turn, he has been forced to field youngster Rob Holding in both Premier League games so far this season, with his side still looking for their first win of the campaign after a defeat to Liverpool was followed by a draw away at Leicester City on Saturday.
A new defender is high on the Frenchman’s priority list, but after being linked with moves for Jose Gimenez and Skhodran Mustafi of Atletico Madrid and Valencia respectively, it’s been claimed that at least €50m would be needed to sign either of the pair and Wenger isn’t willing to pay over the odds for them.
That’s according to GazzaMercato, who add he’s already made an enquiry to Fiorentina over Astori, but the problem on this occasion is that the Viola deem the Italian defender to be indispensable.
The 29-year-old made 42 appearances in all competitions last season, and will hope to continue to play a fundamental role in Paulo Sousa’s plans moving forward.
However, it could be complicated by the fact that the Serie A side have signed both Sebastian De Maio and Carlos Salcedo this summer, which in turn will add competition for places or a potential move elsewhere to secure regular first-team football.