Arsenal in Aissa Mandi manhunt

Premier League heavyweights Arsenal are said to be looking into the possibility of signing Real Betis defender Aissa Mandi.

Unai Emery has recently admitted the Gunners are hoping to bolster their options at the back after being struck with a proper injury crisis at the Emirates and it appears as if the French-born Algeria international is topping the January wishlist.

Spanish media outlet El Desmarque claims Arsenal hold the player in high regard, adding that Gunners have already made contact over a possible January deal for the player.

Mandi has a €30 million release clause in his contract with Real Betis but Arsenal do not have that kind of money at their disposal this winter and are hoping to strike a cut-price deal for the 27-year-old.

The Algerian defender in under contract until 2021 and Real Betis already passed on the opportunity to sell their player to West Ham for €14 million last summer so it remains to be seen whether Arsenal could hope to get a discount this time around.