Arsenal To Do Battle With Man United For €17m-rated Defensive Target

Arsenal are reportedly facing a huge transfer battle in their bid to sign a veteran defender when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.

According to a report from the Daily Star, the Gunners want to boost their defensive options in the upcoming transfer window with the signing of Juventus centre back Mehdi Benatia.

The report also revealed that Arsenal will have to contend with Premier League rivals Manchester United who are also interested in the Moroccan international defender.

The 31-year-old recently captained Morocco to this summer’s FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia.

He was his country’s captain as the North Africans failed to progress beyond the group stage of the competition.

Morocco finished bottom of Group B behind Iran, Portugal and group leaders Spain.

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He returned from the tournament in Russia to his club to find out that the Italians have welcomed the return of defender Leonardo Bonucci from AC Milan after just one season with the seven-time European champions.

Benatia has found first team opportunities hard to come by since his return thereby prompting talks of a transfer.

He had earlier replaced Bonucci in a €17m deal from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2017 only for the Italian to last just one season at AC Milan.

A transfer fee of £13m would be enough to secure his signing from Juventus.