Arsenal Transfer News: La Liga Defender in Contact with Gunners

Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta is holding talks with Arsenal over a potential summer move to north London, claims the player's brother.

The Gunners are keen on boosting their options in defence ahead of next season and have been tracking the Venezuela international since the turn of the year. The 27-year-old's contract with the La Liga outfit will expire at the end of the season and the two parties had failed to agree on a new deal.

Big-spending Russians Anzhi Makhachkala are also interested in Amorebieta's services but the centre-back prefers a move to the Premier League.

"We have had contacts with Anzhi [Makhachkala], who are very interested in his services, but given the desire to play in England, that move cannot take place. We are in contact with Arsenal," the Express quoted the Venezuelan's brother telling Marca.

Amorebieta has made over 250 appearances for Bilbao in all competitions, since breaking into the club's first team in 2005. The Venezuelan played a crucial role in the Lions' impressive Europa League campaign last season, where they beat the likes of Manchester United on their way to the final. However, the defender had picked up 16 yellows and three reds in the same season and is considered by many as aggressive and slightly reckless.

Frimpong Backs Arsenal for Titles

Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong insists the Gunners will win trophies again very soon.

Arsene Wenger's side's last triumph came eight years ago, when they beat Manchester United to clinch the FA Cup. The club's supporters are disappointed with the lack of silverware but the Ghana international is confident the glory days would soon return.

"Fans should know and understand that we the players are also not happy when we don't win trophies but I can assure you that we always give 100 per cent on the field to change that," Frimpong told Goal.com.

"I want to assure all Arsenal fans that it will happen for us very soon. Arsene Wenger has handled himself very well amidst all the unfortunate media pressure on him and we the playing staff have full confidence in him to lead us to glory again," the 21-year-old added.