Barcelona are casting their eyes towards Arsenal in search of a central defender.

 

Blaugrana coach Tito Vilanova wants to bring in a defender this summer, but long-term target Thiago Silva is on the verge of a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

 

Now another name has entered the mix, with Le 10 Sport revealing that the Spanish giants are ready to move for Arsenal’s French centre back Laurent Koscielny.

 

The 26-year-old’s fine performances at the heart of the Gunners backline last season were not lost on the Blaugrana and Koscielny is a serious option – if Arsenal can be persuaded to sell.

 

Koscielny only landed at the Emirates Stadium in 2010, making the move from Ligue 1 outfit Lorient for what now appears to be the bargain price of just £8.5M.

 

Last season the defender made 33 appearances in the Premier League, also clocking up six matches in Champions League competition.

 

While Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will undoubtedly want to keep hold of Koscielny, the Frenchman will also be aware that the player has just two years remaining on his contract, meaning his value will peak this summer.

 

Barcelona are looking at other central defensive options, with Marseille stopper Nicolas N’Koulou also featuring on the club’s shortlist.

 

Lyon defender Dejan Lovren is another possible addition, although the Croatian has denied concrete contact has yet been made.

 

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