Arsenal are preparing to make an offer for Barcelona full-back Eric Abidal, according to Sky Sports News.

The Gunners are hoping to secure a cut-price deal for the France international because his contract at the Nou Camp expires during the summer.

Abidal has been in discussions with the Spanish champions regarding a new deal for some time, but as yet no agreement has been reached.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is currently short on defensive options and believes that 32-year-old Abidal would be the ideal addition to his squad.