Manchester City's pursuit of Athletic Bilbao star Aymeric Laporte is bad news for Arsenal as Nacho Monreal is seen as one option to replace him.
The Blues have been searching for an additional centre-back after John Stones' struggles with injury and form in recent months.
Laporte, who was previously a target, has emerged as an option again, with City prepared to trigger his buyout clause worth around £60m.
Should Athletic have one of their stars snatched from them, they will pursue one of two players: Gunners star Monreal or Real Sociedad's Inigo Martinez, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The interest in one of La Real's star performers could create even more hostility between the two Basque clubs.
Which makes the signing of Monreal more probable, though despite not being as flashy as some at the Emirates, Arsene Wenger has utilised him consistently in recent seasons.
Having lost Alexis Sanchez and more pushing for moves, including Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud, losing a defensive piece in a unit that is already substandard, may not be an option.