Arsenal remain in the market for defensive reinforcements.
Head Coach Unai Emery has confirmed as such, but only has just over a week to conclude any deals.
"We are deciding how we can improve," he told reports on Sunday. "At the beginning we were thinking to sign players, but only if they can really, really improve this position.
"It’s one centre-back, one midfielder and one winger. We are going to do that, we are thinking the same.
"Really I want one team better than last year with the players that can achieve, to add, to be with us in this season.
"Also I think we have a very good team and only, only the players that can help us with improving really with that squad."
Furthermore, Shkodran Mustafi and Laurent Koscielny could both leave before the transfer window closes and that would leave Emery short of options in central defence ahead of the Premier League opener against Newcastle United.
The Gunners have already signed highly-rated youngster William Saliba from Saint-Etienne, but he's been loaned back to the Ligue 1 club for the season which means a centre-back is still required.
With that said, football.london takes a look at the centre-backs who have been linked with a summer transfer to Arsenal and that are still available.
Walter Kannemann
Club: Germio
Age: 28
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato , Arsenal had made a move for the Argentinian defender earlier in the summer. The Gunners reportedly put an offer of £10.5million on the table, and were awaiting a response from his club.
Guess they haven't heard back...
Presnel Kimpembe
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Age: 23
Had PSG won the race for Matthijs de Ligt then speculation over Presnel Kimpembe's future in the French capital would have increased as being the club's fourth-choice centre-back would not have been the best situation ahead of next summer's European Championships.
According to French news-site SoccerLink , Arsenal have been in contact with Kimpembe’s dad in the hope of signing the French defender this summer.
The Sun claimed, the Frenchman - capable of operating at left-back too - would cost in he region of £30m .
Michael Keane
Club: Everton
Age: 26
The England defender was said to be one of Emery's options in trying to strengthen his options in the centre back position.
There were reports that the Gunners sent scouts to watch the defender on several occasions last season.
Samuel Umtiti
Club: Barcelona
Age: 25
Mundo Deportivo reported earlier in the summer that the France international could be used as makeweight in a deal to bring Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette to the Camp Nou should they fail to land Antoine Griezmann.
They did sign Greizmann but lost out on de Ligt so looks like Umtiti is staying put.
Djene Dakonam
Club: Getafe
Age: 27
Given his impressive form over the past two seasons it's no surprise that the 27-year-old is being linked with a move away from Getafe.
Emery reportedly scouted the defender in person towards the end of last season.
Djene has a £31m release clause in his contract at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez and this has been confirmed by Getafe president Angel Torres.
Armando Izzo
Club: Torino
Age: 27
Last month reports in Italy stated that the Torino central defender's agent, Paolo Palermo, had been in London to hold talks with the Gunners over the future of the 27-year-old.
However, it's gone quiet ever since.
Dan-Axel Zagadou
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Age: 20
According to France Football, Dan-Axel Zagadou has being lined up as a possible solution to Emery's defensive woes.
Arsenal sent scouts to the Under-20 World Cup in Poland, which ended earlier this summer, and were impressed by Zagadou’s performances.
Will they firm up their interest between now and deadline day?
Ruben Dias
Club: Benfica
Age: 22
One of the laatest defenders being linked with a move to Arsenal is the Portugal international.
The Daily Mail claim Dias is back on the Gunners' radar after they initially ruled out a move for the Benfica defender earlier this summer.
However, the 22-year-old has a massive release clause in his contract of £57.6m
Daniele Rugani
Club: Juventus
Age: 25
De Ligt's arrival in Turin could force Rugani to consider his future in Turin despite only recently signing a new deal.
According to Corriere Torino, the Gunners are having a look at signing the Italy international on loan.
Ibrahima Konate
Club: RB Leipzig
Age: 20
Leipzig had the best defence and the second lowest Expected Goals Conceded (xGC) total in the Bundesliga last season, and with Konaté in the side, it’s not hard to see why.
Linked with Arsenal as early as February, but links have gone cold.
Dayot Upamecano
Club: RB Leipzig
Age: 20
Konate's defensive partner and seen as a cheaper alternative to Samuel Umtiti last month.
Reports have suggested that Leipzig will demand a fee in the region of £30million for the centre-back.
Pape Abou Cisse
Club: Olympiacos
Age: 23
This is a more fresh link with Arsenal and Wolves reportedly in the running to sign the 6'6 defender who could be available for £10m.
Could the Gunners pip their Premier League rivals?
Gary Cahill
Club: Free agent
Age: 33
This one has been going ever since January. Currently a free agent after leaving Chelsea at the end of last month, would provide experience and counts towards the homegrown rule.
The ones that got away...
Matthijs de Ligt has joined Juventus, Joachim Andersen actually played against Arsenal for Lyon in the Emirates Cup at the weekend after joining from Sampdoria and Mario Hermoso swapped Espanyol for Atletico Madrid.
