Arsenal Make Approach For Monaco's Marcel Tisserand As Panic Begins To Set In Ahead Of Deadline

Marcel Tisserand has become the next chapter in Arsenal’s centre-back chase, as Shkodran Mustafi of Valencia looks less likely by the day.

The versatile defender has stalled his apparent transfer to La Liga side Espanyol to see if a bid from the Arsenal materialises.

Arsenal have made an enquiry for the prominent centre-back, according to a report by the Daily Mirror, as the search continues for that all-important centre-back.

Espanyol were hoping to seal the signature of the DR Congo international in the coming days, but with a bid from Premier League runners-up Arsenal looming, the move has been put on hold.

The 23-year-old can play at both centre-back and right-back, but has been deemed surplus to requirements at Monaco, having spent loan time at fellow French sides Lens and Toulouse.

Espanyol and Saint Ettienne were originally the two sides vying for his signature this summer, but Arsenal have interrupted those proceedings at the last minute.

Arsenal have significant problems in their defensive department this season, seeing both club captain Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista suffer serious injuries in recent weeks.

A series of failed transfer targets followed, with Arsenal failing to either cough up the money or agree personal terms with many players this summer.

A move for their main target Shkodran Mustafi is not entire over yet, but is looking less likely as every day passes. Many recent reports have also linked Arsenal with ex-Manchester United defender Jonny Evans, but it looks like West Brom and the Gunners valuations of the player, similar to Mustafi, is too far apart.