Hugo Lloris
Hugo Lloris Reuters

While Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger battles speculation surrounding the future of talismanic striker Robin van Persie, he is keeping one eye trained on revamping and rebuilding his squad. The manager has already overseen the arrival of FC Koln's Lukas Podolski and Montpellier's Olivier Giroud.

His next task (apart from convincing van Persie to stay) will be to reinforce his defensive options and it seems signing a new goal keeper is on the top of that to-do list. The Gunners already have Poland's Wojciech Szczesny installed as the club's number one but information from France that suggests Olympique Lyon's Hugo Lloris may be available has interested the London club.

An earlier IBTimes UK report indicated Arsenal's rivals, Liverpool, were seriously considering a bid for the French captain, particularly since their number one keeper, Pepe Reina, was a reported target for Italian champions AC Milan. Now, however, a report in the Daily Mail has added Arsenal and Tottenham to the list of Lloris' admirers.

It seems Lloris told his club president, Jean-Michel Aulas that while he was happy at the Stade Gerland, a move to one of Europe's bigger clubs would definitely interest him. In addition, the fact Lyon have failed to qualify for the Champions League could well have played its part. It is understood that while Aulas is unhappy at the idea, he will only consent to a sale if he receives fair valuation and given that he is a man who has a history of ensuring big money deals for his stars, the three Premier Leagues could be in for a long ride.

"Lloris can go, but only for a decent price in relation to the market," Aulas was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. There is, as yet, no firm indication of that price, although a report in the Daily Star offers indications. It seems Arsenal are readying a £12mn offer for the 25 year old keeper and Wenger is prepared to offer him the promise of first team football. That means Szczesny, despite performing well last season, could be on the bench or may even force a move of his own.

We should add that given Arsenal's strong French connections and the fact that Giroud admitted to signing for Arsenal over Chelsea because of those connections, it is hard to see Lloris moving to Anfield if the Gunners do indeed pursue their man.

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