Arsenal Rival Manchester United in Race for Germany and Dortmund Star Mats Hummels

Arsenal have reportedly joined the race with Manchester United to lure Mats Hummels from Borussia Dortmund to the Premier League in the ongoing transfer window.

The Daily Mirror's report claims that the Gunners are ready to challenge the Red Devils and feel that an offer in the region of £30m will be enough to land the defender.

The World Cup winner has been a long-term target for Louis van Gaal, who wants to sign at least two centre-backs as he plans to instil a 3-5-2 formation for the upcoming campaign.

The former Netherlands boss is also believed to be interested in signing Thomas Vermaelen from the north London club. Arsene Wenger refused to affirm if the skipper will stay on at the Emirates next season but confirmed that a replacement will arrive if the 28-year-old departs.

The Belgian international, who is valued at £10m, has also been linked with a move to Barcelona and reports claim that Arsenal are not keen on selling the former Ajax star to a direct rival.

Arsenal have already strengthened their defence with the acquisitions of Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers. Wenger has already revealed that his business in the transfer market is not finished and he could add more players to his roster before deadline day.

The Mirror's report suggests that Wenger wants to sign a world class defender in the aftermath of Vermaelen's departure. The 64-year-old is not keen to allow his counterpart at Old Trafford a clear path to sign Hummels and will compete with the Dutchman with an offer of his own.

Earlier this week, speculations claimed that Dortmund will consider selling the German international if they manage to secure Tiago Ilori's services on loan from Liverpool.

However, the German international is purported to be among the favourite to be bestowed with the armband by Jurgen Klopp after Sebastian Kehl stepped down as captain.

The Ruhr based club have also quashed rumours surrounding the 25-year-old's departure from the Signal Iduna Park this summer.

Hummels will be playing in the Champions League at Dortmund and will also be able to relish the experience if he joins Arsenal. The Old Trafford outfit will not be able to provide the same luxury and could possibly be outwitted by the Gunners for the same reason.