Arsenal have renewed their interest in Montpellier centre back Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa following the French clubs elimination from the Champions League group stage, reports the Metro.

The versatile defender rose to prominence and increased his value last season captaining his Montpellier side to the Ligue 1 title, with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said to be a long term admirer of him.

The 23-year-old has since been the subject of interest from Chelsea and AC Milan but it is believed Arsenal remain favourites to bring the defender to the Emirates.

Montpellier have been quick to warn off interested parties in Yanga-Mbiwa who is contracted to them until 2015, however their exit from the Champions League in their first ever participation in the tournament may open the door for other clubs to attract him away from the French champions.

The Gunners are suffering a poor start to this campaign and Wenger is under increased scrutiny and pressure to turn the clubs fortunes around.

The team have struggled to recover from the loss of Robin van Persie to Manchester United in the summer and have won just one of their last six Premier League encounters despite reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Arsenal fans will be hoping they can bring in quality in January to give the club a lift and help them out of their current struggles.