Arsenal are looking at the option of making a move for Barcelona fullback Dani Alves, as the future of Bacary Sagna remains undecided.
Sagna had his best game of the season so far at the weekend against Sunderland, ironically playing as a center-back, but the France international has been largely underwhelming with his performances in his preferred rightback position all year.
The defender, who will turn 30 on Valentine's Day, has reportedly refused Arsenal's latest contract offer, with his current deal set to expire in 2014.
There have been several suggestions that the veteran could be on his way out of the Emirates, although his commitment, as witnessed against Sunderland, can never be questioned.
Alves is only a few months younger than Sagna, and in theory would make the perfect replacement, were Sagna to be let go in the summer, as the progress of Carl Jenkinson continues.
Jenkinson, while showing plenty of promise, still has a lot to learn, and Alves can act as a perfect mentor to England international.
The Brazilian has Adriano as direct competition for a place in the starting lineup at the Camp Nou, while Martin Montoya has also shown glimpses of promise. Having won virtually everything there is to win in Spain, the Brazilian international might be ready for a new challenge.
Arsenal are reported to be one of the interested clubs, according to Spanish website Fichajes.net, and Arsene Wenger could be ready to make a move in the summer, depending on how the Sagna situation pans out.
Meanwhile, Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko, who has made a bright start to life in the English Premier League since signing in January, expressed his admiration for Arsenal.
"I have always wanted to play in England," Sissoko told L'Equipe. "It is the league that suits me the best.
"When I was a kid, I was very impressed by Arsenal with all their Frenchmen: Robert Pires, Sylvain Wiltord, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira. I was 10 or 11-years-old. That team made me dream. They won everything.
"I loved Thierry Henry and above all Patrick Vieira as we played in the same position. He radiated such power! He could cross the whole pitch with the ball at his feet.
"In midfield, he was the boss. Moreover, there was Highbury, with the fans so close to the pitch. I would have loved to play there."
