Chelsea may beat Arsenal for the signature of France international defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.
The versatile 23-year-old centre back led unfancied Montpellier to the French title in May and almost sealed a move to AC Milan this summer.
He has a year left on his deal and would cost £7 million.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is a long-time admirer but Chelsea sent scouts to watch Yanga-Mbiwa in Montpellier’s 1-0 loss to Marseille on Sunday, according to The Sun.
A fast, athletic and versatile stopper, Yanga-Mbiwa was watched by Arsenal scouts on a handful of occasions last term, and the Gunners have continued adding to their dossier on the player this season
Arsenal are now seriously considering making an offer for the France international, but manager Arsene Wenger is yet to give the go-ahead, as he looks at other options, according to the Metro.
Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo is willing to bring in another option at the back, especially if Manchester City or Barcelona meet the club's £30 million asking price for David Luiz.
Yanga-Mbiwa, who can also play right-back and in midfield, has turned out nearly 200 times for Montpellier, having turned professional in 2006.
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