Arsenal are shaping up to battle with Chelsea and Manchester United for the signature of Bayern Munich defender Medhi Benatia.
The 29-year-old centre-back was snapped up by the Bavarians from Roma for €26m in the summer of 2014, but he has struggled to make his mark at the Allianz Arena.
Benatia has been identified by Arsenal as their priority signing for the defence this summer, but Chelsea and Manchester United are also monitoring the Morocco international, according to French radio station RMC.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger believes Benatia would strengthen his defensive options and is ready to push hard to take him to the Emirates Stadium.
The 29-year-old saw his campaign this season with Bayern Munich troubled by injury and managed only 14 appearances in the Bundesliga for the Bavarians.
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But while Benatia was fit enough to play all 90 minutes in Bayern Munich's final Bundesliga game of the season, a home win over Hannover, he was only on the bench for the German Cup final on Saturday, which saw Pep Guardiola's side beat Borussia Dortmund on penalties.
Benatia is under contract with Bayern Munich until 2019.
