Arsenal will need to beat off fierce competition to land Torino defender Perr Schuurs, according to Tuttosport (via TMW).

The Italian newspaper claims the Netherlands international is not only being pursued by the Gunners ahead of the transfer deadline next week.

It is believed that North London rivals Tottenham, Liverpool and Inter Milan could also enter the race to sign the centre-back.

Schuurs is said to be valued at around €40m (£34m) and, due to Financial Fairplay restrictions, Mikel Arteta’s side may find it difficult to raise the funds to recruit the Dutchman without player sales.

Even so, they are keen to bring in another defender before deadline day, having lost Jurrien Timber to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

What do Arsenal fans need to know about Perr Schuurs?

The centre-half started his senior career at Fortuna Sittard before joining Dutch giants Ajax in 2018. Within two years he had established himself as a regular starter.

However, last summer, Schuurs decided to leave the Netherlands and make the switch to Italy. After just one season with Torino, he could be on the move again.

Are Arsenal likely to sign anyone else before the transfer window shuts?

There has been some talk that a right winger could be recruited by the Gunners, in addition to a defender, but the main focus will be outgoings.

Folarin Balogun is closing in on a transfer to Monaco, while Kieran Tierney is set to join Real Sociedad on a season-long loan. There is no option to buy in the agreement but the La Liga side have agreed to pay his wages in full.

The likes of Nuno Tavares, Rob Holding, Nicolas Pepe, Cedric could also be allowed to depart if satisfactory offers are received.

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