Arsenal have reportedly reignited their interest in Benfica centre-back Ruben Dias as they eye possible replacements for wantaway captain Laurent Koscielny.
Unai Emery's summer transfer plans were thrown into disarray by Koscielny's refusal to travel with the club on their pre-season tour of the United States earlier this week, with the Frenchman eager to force a move back to Ligue 1.
Arsenal have subsequently been forced to target defensive reinforcements ahead of signing a new winger, and the Daily Mail reports that Dias has been identified as a potential replacement.
The Gunners were linked with the 22-year-old at the start of the window and are understood to have compiled a scouting report on him, but they were put off by his £54m release clause.
Emery is reported to only have a £45m budget at his disposal before player sales and any deal would therefore require them to negotiate an arrangement where they pay a lower initial fee with future add-ons included.
Manchester United have also been heavily linked with a move for Dias and recent reports claim that they have made a breakthrough in negotiations with Benfica.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are expected to open disciplinary proceedings against Koscielny, including stripping the 33-year-old of the club captaincy.
Barney Corkhill
