Wales centre-back targetted as Wenger seeks to rebuild defence.
Arsenal are lining up a summer swoop for Swansea centre-back Ashley Williams according to The Guardian.
Manager Arsene Wenger is ready to make his move after seeing his defence commit a number of costly mistakes this season.
The Gunners’ centre-backs were caught flat twice in the crucial game against Tottenham that saw them lose vital ground to the bitter rivals in the chase for a Champions League spot.
That has persuaded Wenger of the need to bring defensive reinforcements to The Emirates for next season.
Swansea captain Williams has been identified as the man capable of plugging those gaps in the Arsenal backline.
The defender has played a key role in Michael Laudrup’s Swansea side that has made history this season by lifting the Capital One Cup following a 5-0 thrashing of Bradford at Wembley.
The Wales international is considered to have the marshalling capabilities that have been lacking from Per Mertesacker and Thomas Vermaelen this year.
It is rumoured a fee in the region of £8 million would be enough to secure the player’s signature. However Arsenal are likely to face competition for the player from Liverpool, who are in need of a replacement for the retiring Jamie Carragher.
Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers knows Williams’ capabilities all too well having managed the player during his time at the Liberty Stadium.