All signs are pointing towards Arsenal attempting to bring in a centre-back during the January transfer window.
If defensive reinforcements wasn't at the top of Mikel Arteta's to-do-list following his appointment as head coach last month, a season-ending injury to Calum Chambers has certainly altered his thinking.
In fact, the Gunners boss has confirmed that's the case.
But the winter window can often be a difficult to bring in players and Arteta's funds could be limited following a busy summer which saw both David Luiz and Kieran Tierney arrive at the Emirates Stadium.
Highly-rated youngster William Saliba joined in a £27m deal from Saint-Etienne in the summer, but he's been loaned back to the Ligue 1 club for the season which means the search for his perfect partner is still going.
With that said, football.london takes a look at the centre-backs who have been linked with a January transfer to Arsenal.
Dayot Upamecano
Club: RB Leipzig
Age: 21
This is a link that stretches all the way to the summer when the Gunners were tipped to sign the Frenchman before turning their attentions to David Luiz ahead of deadline day.
They remain interested in the RB Leipzig star who face losing the defender for a cut-price fee between now and the summer as his contract expires at the end of next season.
Merih Demiral
Club: Juventus
Age: 21
The Daily Mail claimed that in November that Arsenal were monitoring the Juventus defender with the view to a £34m deal in the January window.
They'll have to move quick as Leicester City and Borussia Dortmund are also interested in the Turkey international as Sky in Italy claim both clubs have had bids rejected.
Pau Torres
Club: Villarreal
Age: 22
An alternative to the likes of Upamecano and Demiral.
In November it was reported that the Gunners were considering a £43m move for the Villarreal defender, but links have gone quiet in recent weeks.
Jerome Boateng
Club: Bayern Munich
Age: 31
According to Sky Germany, Boateng has told Bayern Munich that he wants to leave the club this month, with Arsenal expected to make a concrete move.
There's even suggestions that the German could be available on a free transfer.
Daniele Rugani
Club: Juventus
Age: 25
De Ligt's arrival in Turin has forced Rugani even further down the pecking order and that could force him to consider his future in Turin despite only signing a new deal last summer.
The Mirror claim the Gunners maintain an interest in the Italy international despite Unai Emery's exit.
Nathan Ake
Club: Bournemouth
Age: 24
The Telegraph claim that Arsenal would also be able to buy the Netherlands international for around £40m.
However, they would face strong competition from London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Gabriel
Club: Lille
Age: 22
Not Gabriel Paulista who used to play for Arsenal, instead his partial namesake who has caught the eye at Lille this season.
Reports claim the Gunners are monitoring Brazilian centre-half.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Club: Napoli
Age: 28
Arsenal are said to have opened talks with Napoli over the Manchester United target, according to the Daily Star.
He is said to be valued at around £55million - a bargain compared to the fees previously bandied around for the defender that reached into nine figures.
Martin Hinteregger
Club: Eintracht Frankfurt
Age: 27
Arsenal have been named as suitors to the left-footed defender by the Sun in a £22million deal.
He is also said to be a target for West Ham.
Samuel Umtiti
Club: Barcelona
Age: 26
Samuel Umtiti has long been linked with a move to north London has reportedly become more likely due to the Frenchman falling down the pecking order at Barcelona.
The Daily Mail have reported that the Gunners could still be disappointed with the ex-Lyon defender apparently holding a preference to return to Ligue 1 rather than move to the Premier League.
Unai Nunez
Club: Athletic Club
Age: 22
Football Espana have named Arsenal as one of the suitors to Athletic Club defender Unai Nunez ahead of the January transfer window.
Everton are also said to see the Spaniard as a solution to their problems at the back following the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as manager.
Aaron Hickey
Club: Hearts of Midlothian
Age: 17
The teenager has been watched by scouts for Arsenal and Liverpool, according to the Edinburgh Evening News.
