Reports suggest Arsenal are close to agreeing a deal with Sevilla for their France international Sebastien Squillaci.

Spanish publication Marca reports that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has indentified the centre-back as the man to help bolster his defensive options at the Emirates Stadium.

The 30-year-old has spent eight years playing top-flight football in his homeland with the likes of Monaco and Lyon.

It is believed that Squillaci asked to be removed from Sevilla's Champions League squad roster this week so that he will be able to represent the Gunners in European football's premier competition.

Sevilla director Ramon Rodriguez confirmed: "The player asked us not to play in this game due to an important offer from a team, although for the moment, we consider the bid to be inadequate and Squillaci remains a Sevilla player."

Squillaci is valued in the region of £8million but looks set to join Laurent Koscielny, Thomas Vermaelen and Johan Djourou as Wenger's central defensive options.

Wenger has lost Philippe Senderos, William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre and Sol Campbell since the end of last season.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email