Arsenal are running the rule over promising young African centre-half Stoppila Sunzu.
Sunderland and Reading have also shown an interest in the 23-year-old Zambia international but are not willing to pay the £4million needed to buy him from his Congo club TP Mazembe.
The Gunners need to strengthen the centre of their defence and Sunzu has a big reputation after helping his country go into this year’s Africa Cup of Nations as reigning champions.
There were hopes that he would be available on a Bosman but a dispute with his club over terms in his current deal has been resolved, meaning Sunderland and Reading have dropped out of the race to sign him now that a cash payment will be involved.
Black Cats manager Martin O’Neill was keen to sign Sunzu as Titus Bramble and Matthew Kilgallon are unlikely to be offered new deals when their contracts expire in the summer.