Torino are now in pole position to sign centre-back Malang Sarr, according to reports in the Italian media. The 21-year-old left Nice at the end of last month and is available on a free transfer.

Arsenal, Manchester City, RB Leipzig, Lazio, Atalanta, Inter Milan and Fiorentina are all said to be keen on the player but it is believed that Il Toro are offering guaranteed first-team football, which the Gunners and other suitors cannot provide.

Sarr has been managed by Patrick Vieira over the last two seasons, with the Arsenal legend having previously described the defender’s best qualities:

“He has the personality of a leader. He answers simply and clearly. My role, with my staff, is to continue to make it progress, and to exchange with him so that he knows what the very high level is.”

The Gunners do have too many centre-backs on their books as it is, but with the likes of Sokratis, David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi within the final twelve months of their contracts, a changing of the guard could be about to happen.

With a player of Sarr’s quality available as a free agent, the London club may also feel it is too good an opportunity to turn down.