Arsenal could enquire about William Saliba joining up with the squad in January.
Saliba, 18, completed his move to the Emirates in the summer before immediately being loaned back to Saint-Etienne.
The Gunners wanted the teenager to continue his development with regular first-team action before pushing for a place in the Arsenal squad next season.
But with his side facing a defensive crisis, new boss Mikel Arteta could try and bring Saliba in when the transfer window opens.
Calum Chambers was forced off with a knee problem against Chelsea on Sunday and it is feared he could be on the sidelines for some time.
Fellow central defenders Sokratis and Rob Holding have also been missing due to injury.
Arsenal's injury list includes Hector Bellerin, Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney with Arteta likely to be given funds to strengthen in January.
The Gunners are keeping tabs on RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano who could be allowed to leave with his contract running down.
Upamecano, 21, has 18 months left of his current deal and is attracting interested from a number of Premier League clubs.
Arsenal return to Premier League action against Manchester United on New Year's Day as they bid to climb back into the top half of the table.
The Gunners are languishing in 12th in the table after a woeful run of form, winning just once in 15 matches in all competitions.
They appeared set for their first win under new boss Arteta on Sunday before a late collapse gifted Chelsea all three points in the London derby.
