Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has reportedly emerged as a shock target for Barcelona.

The Catalan club, who finished nine points behind champions Real Madrid in the La Liga table last season, are currently short of central defensive cover for Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol.

Midfielders Javier Mascherano and Sergio Busquets were both employed as emergency defenders under former manager Pep Guardiola. However, new boss Tito Vilanova is said to be reluctant to do the same and has made signing another centre-back a priority this summer.

Vilanova has been impressed by Koscielny's form for the Gunners over the past 12 months and Barcelona are seriously considering making a bid for the Frenchman, according to The Metro.

Koscielny, whose current contract is due to expire in 2014, made 33 Premier League appearances last season.