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Arsenal eyeing summer move for Neven Subotic - sources

Arsenal are eyeing a summer move for Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic as they look to bolster their defensive options, sources have told ESPN.

Arsene Wenger is keen to bring in a new central defender at the Emirates due to doubts over the long-term future of Per Mertesacker following several indifferent displays from the German.

Despite signing Gabriel from Villarreal in January, Wenger is still looking at potential recruits and Subotic, 26, is thought to figure highly on his wanted list.

The Serbia international has earned a reputation as one of the best defenders in Europe after playing a key role in the Dortmund side that won back-to-back Bundesliga titles and reached the Champions League final in 2013, and has previously attracted the interest of Chelsea and Manchester United.

Subotic has just over a year left on his current contract at Dortmund and Arsenal, along with several other clubs across Europe, could try to sign him in a cut-price deal in the summer.

Italian trio Juventus, Roma and Napoli are all monitoring Subotic's situation and are ready to rival Arsenal for the player's signature should he become available.

Wenger is a long-term admirer of Subotic and sees the centre-back as someone who could help strengthen the back line as he looks to build a side capable of challenging for the Premier League title next season.

However, any club interested in Subotic will have to consider his recent injury record, as he has missed large chunks of the past two seasons with knee problems.

Neven Subotic has just over a year left on his current Dortmund deal © Getty Images

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