Arsene Wenger has reportedly identified Real Madrid centre-half Raul Albiol as the man to strengthen his fragile Arsenal defence.

The World Cup-winning Spaniard is thought to be available for transfer following the emergence of 19-year-old Frenchman Raphael Varane at Los Blancos.

Since making a 2009 switch from Valencia, Albiol has made just 33 Madrid starts and is now ready to leave in order to find more regular football.

According to CaughtOffside.com, Albiol has the leadership qualities Wenger is looking to add to his back line and the Gunners and will launch a summer bid for the 27-year-old.

Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen are Wenger's current central defensive options.