A move for Ilkay Gundogan has become the top priority for Arsène Wenger this summer.
Gundogan is a holding midfielder for Borussia Dortmund that Arsenal sees as a potential replacement for Thomas Vermaelen, who is likely to go to Napoli.
Gundogan, 23, only has a contract with Dortmund that runs until the end of June 2015.
Manchester United and Real Madrid have also been interested in Gundogan, but his back injury may make them consider alternatives.