Arsenal are set to make a £7.5million bid for Ajax defender Thomas Vermaelen.
Manager Arsene Wenger received glowing reports about the Belgian-born Vermaelen and has had him checked by leading members of his scouting staff.
The feedback has been positive on the Ajax skipper, who can play in central defence or at left-back.
Wenger is set to take steps to reinforce an Arsenal defence which he conceded last week lacked the solidity of champions Manchester United.
Since he lost William Gallas through injury at the end of February, Arsenal have looked vulnerable at the back - and Wenger pinpointed that failing as the glaring difference between his team and United.
Wenger said: "In attack we have scored almost as many goals as United, but we have let in more." Vermaelen would be a welcome addition to his defensive options.
He is 23 and has shown such leadership qualities that he was appointed captain this season.
He has also established himself as a regular in the Belgian national team - and he is also versatile, another trait that Wenger admires.
With continued uncertainty about the future of Gael Clichy, Wenger would have an ideal replacement.
Real Madrid, along with AC Milan, are reported to be keen on Clichy and, if he goes, Wenger will be equipped to fill that gap.
Kieron Gibbs took over from the injured Clichy during the run-in to the current season but Wenger acknowledges the 19-year-old will need a breather from first-team action.
And in Vermaelen, Wenger will also have a player to play in central defence should Kolo Toure join Manchester City in a £12.5m deal.
Clichy's future at Arsenal has been in question for some months. As well as Real, AC Milan are also reported to be keen on the French international left-back.
He would have no problem settling in Milan because his close friend Mathieu Flamini is already at the club after moving to Italy on a free transfer a year ago.
Wenger is also know to have checked on Bolton central defender Gary Cahill to stiffen his defence and there is still talk of a link with Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch.
Wenger bristled at criticism levelled at his players by shareholders last week at a question-answer forum.
He has now gone on record as saying that while he will use the transfer funds made available to him, he will not risk losing the confidence of the younger players that he is grooming to bring into the team - players like Gibbs and Jack Wilshere.
Wenger insisted last week: "How can I sign them and educate them and then not give them the chance to show what they can do?"
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2009/05/17/verm-in-at-arsenal-115875-21365572/