Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reportedly identified Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar as the ideal player to bolster his defensive ranks.

It is believed that Wenger is eager to recruit a centre-back before the deadline passes tonight to replace Thomas Vermaelen, who left the Emirates Stadium for Barcelona earlier this summer.

That has resulted in the interest in Vlaar, although Wenger may be unable to convince the Dutch international to join a club where he will not be an automatic starter, according to the Daily Mail.

The report added that Wenger is also pursuing Manchester City youngster Matija Nastasic.