Arsenal's board have been reportedly left concerned by Mikel Arteta's decision to make Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng his top target in the January transfer window.
The Gunners have shipped 30 goals this season - more than any other team in the top half of the table - which has prompted Arteta to place emphasis on signing a defender in this window.
Reports have suggested that Boateng, now 31, is viewed as a player whom Arsenal would be able to acquire in the January window.
According to Goal.com, Arsenal's hierarchy are concerned by the fact that Boateng has not received much playing time this season, making just nine Bundesliga appearances.
The North London club have also been linked with Dayot Upamecano, Daniele Rugani and Merih Demiral over the past few weeks.
Other reports have claimed that, due to Arsenal's considerable financial outlay over the summer, including the signing of William Saliba, the chances of Arteta receiving funds for this window are very low.