Arsenal are reportedly ready to do battle with Liverpool and Manchester City for the signature of Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos.
Despite the fact that Arsenal are expected to be working with a severely-restricted budget this summer, manager Mikel Arteta is believed to be planning an overhaul of his squad regardless.
The Gunners boss has supposedly identified the defence as a priority area to strengthen ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, but Carlos's hefty price tag could hinder a swoop for the 27-year-old.
According to The Telegraph, Sevilla may be prepared to lower their asking price for Carlos, who currently possesses a £68m release clause, but the La Liga outfit will still demand a fee in excess of £50m for the South American.
The report claims that Arsenal could sanction the sales of out-of-favour midfielders Matteo Guendouzi and Mesut Ozil to aid their pursuit of Carlos, but the Gunners would have to fend off interest from Liverpool and Man City to land the highly sought-after defender.
Carlos chalked up 35 La Liga appearances for Sevilla in the most recent campaign, as Julen Lopetegui's side finished fourth in the table and ensured Champions League qualification.
Ben Knapton
