Arsenal Hope to Lure Nemanja Pejcinovic with Champions League Football

Arsenal are keen on signing Nemanja Pejcinovic after his contract with Nice expires on 30 June, according to the Daily Express.

Arsene Wenger opted to utilise Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny as his first choice defenders at the heart of his back four through most of last season. This meant that the Gunners captain Thomas Vermaelen had to be content with limited playing time in their starting XI.

The Belgian international, who wants regular playing time, has been linked with a move away from the Emirates in the upcoming transfer window. The 28-year-old has already hinted that a decision about his future will be taken only after the completion of the World Cup in Brazil.

Pejcinovic has spent the last four years with the Ligue 1 outfit, proving himself as a reliable player. The 26-year-old will be a free agent on 1 July and has revealed rejecting an extension offered by his current employers, expressing his desire to lineup for a club featuring in the Champions League.

"My current ambitions are currently higher than what Nice can offer me today. I know Nice can improve but right now I have to think about myself and my family," Pejcinovic said.

"I have always wanted to play in the Champions League or at least in some other European competition. It is a dream I have had since I was little. I now have the opportunity to do so."

Wenger will reportedly be given a £100m war chest to strengthen the team and the Frenchman has confirmed that the club are looking to spend heavily in the market, guaranteeing a busy summer.

The north London side have been linked with making moves for talented centre-backs in the last few months with Ajax's Joel Veltman and Swansea City's Ashley Williams among the names doing the rounds. However, the idea of getting the Serbian at no fee might tempt the Gunners boss.

Should Vermaelen leave his current employers in the summer, Pejcinovic could replace the Belgium centre-back in Arsenal's squad. However, a move for the Serbian defender would give Wenger more options during the team selection, if the Belgian decides to continue at the Emirates.