Arsenal are back in the race to sign French international midfielder Etienne Capoue and are considering a £10m bid before the month ends, according to the Daily Star.
A holding midfield linchpin for Toulouse, Capoue has impressed a string of European clubs with a series of strong displays in Ligue 1 over the last 18 months.
The 24-year-old has also been courted by Chelsea, who have had the tough-tackling central enforcer watched several times this season.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has stayed patient with Abou Diaby but reportedly wants to add steel to a midfield pack which is dominated by creative players.
Capoue has two-and-a-half years left on his Toulouse contract but is believed to be available for around £12m.