Premier League Defender to Inform Club of Arsenal Dream - Report

Swansea City defender Ashley Williams wants to join Arsenal this summer. The Telegraph believes the Welsh international is set to inform the Liberty Stadium club of his wish for a new challenge and will speak to manager Michael Laudrup when the squad begins pre-season training.

Arsene Wenger has been linked with Williams this summer, with uncertainty over the futures of Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny. The latter is being courted by both Spanish champions Barcelona and Bundesliga and European champions Bayern Munich, according to his agent, Stephane Courbis.

The Metro believes the Catalans have already made a tentative £12.7m offer for the French international, who has been quoted as saying he is prepared to leave north London if the club cannot meet his ambitions of winning trophies.

Vermaelen has also attracted attention from the Nou Camp club, as well as Premier League champions Manchester United and Serie A club Napoli. However, he has repeatedly stated his desire to remain with the Gunners.

Williams will have options to choose from this summer, if a move to the Emirates does not materialise. Merseyside clubs Liverpool and Everton are also believed to be interested.

The Toffees' incoming manager, Roberto Martinez, wants Williams in case outgoing boss David Moyes poaches some of his Goodison Park stars for new club Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers needs to strengthen his back line after the retirement of club legend Jamie Carragher. Ivory Coast international Kolo Toure arrives at Anfield on a free transfer but with Uruguay international Sebastian Coates' future also unclear, a second defensive signing might be indicated.

Everton are also in the race to sign the centre-back in the summer. The Toffees' new manager Roberto Martinez bought the Welshman to the Liberty Stadium while Brendan Rodgers was instrumental in his development at Swansea.

The Telegraph claims Swansea want £10m for Williams. Club chairman Huw Jenkins has confirmed he has yet to receive any formal offer, stating: "While there seems to be constant speculation about Ashley Williams, I can honestly say that I haven't had one call from anybody about him."