Arsenal will offer a five-year contract to Stade de Reims defender Axel Disasi, according to the Daily Mail. The Gunners have been tracking the 22-year-old for a while but they are now reportedly holding formal talks about signing the player.

Disasi has just over twelve months remaining on his contract, and rather than letting leave for nothing next year, Reims have opted to cash in while they still can.

It is believed a fee of £15m will be enough to secure the former France Under 20 international’s services. The centre-back has been part of a defence that has conceded just 21 goals in 28 league games this season, which has no doubt prompted Arsenal’s interest.

Disasi is likely to be the Gunners’ only centre-half signing when the transfer window reopens. Their current financial problems mean a bid for RB Leipzig Dayot Upamecano will not happen with the fellow countryman being seen as a more economical alternative.