ARSENAL PLANNING SWOOP FOR LEICESTER DEFENDER

Arsenal are interested in signing Leicester defender Harry Maguire according to reports from England. The Sun reports that the Gunners have entered a close race with Manchester United for the signing of the highly rated defender.

Maguire was touted to be on the brink of a move to United last summer but signed a new contract with Leicester City. Manchester United and Arsenal are in dire need of defensive reinforcements as the backline has proven problematic for both teams as they missed out of the Champions League spots.

Arsenal would be an attractive destination for Maguire as the club has shown a real improvement under Unai Emery this season. He would also be the undisputed leader at the back as the marquee signing.

It is understood that the 26-year-old would be opened to a move away from the King Power Stadium in the summer. A fee of £60 million has been mentioned by different sources as the asking price for his signature. The England international is considered as one of the best in the league and would bring star quality to the Arsenal line-up.

Considering reports of a tight budget for the club, some players may have to leave to fund this transfer with Mustafi high on the list. Arsenal would have to spend the cash to pip United to the signing of this excellent defender. The Gunners are also in search of a backup goalkeeper as current number two Petr Cech is expected to retire at the end of the season. Several names have been mentioned Philippine international Neil Etheridge

Etheridge has been one of the best performers for the team with his excellent shot stopping skills winning the team several points. The Philippine international kept nine clean sheets last season which was impressive and would be a decent number two for the London club.