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Arsenal are reportedly readying themselves for a move for Swansea City defender Ashley Williams in a £3 million deal, according to the Metro.
Arsenal have been admirers of the Welsh defender for a number of months and have been keeping tabs on the centre-back and his contract situation in Wales.
Williams’ contract expires in one-year, which means this is the last time Swansea can command a fee for the defender. The Welsh international has told the Swansea board that if the club do not let him go this summer, then he will leave on a free next summer, while team-mate Michel Vorm may also leave for Liverpool.
Arsenal will have to fend off competition from the likes of Lille and Napoli who are also keen suitors of the colossal defender.
Rafa Benitez was impressed by Williams this summer, who faced Swansea in the Europa League this year.
Williams came close to joining Arsenal in the summer of 2013, but a deal fell through after both sides failed to reach an agreement.
Arsene Wenger is keen to recruit defensive competition for the likes of Koscielny and Mertesacker, with Thomas Vermaelen on his way out of the club in the summer. The Belgian has struggled for game time this season and he seems almost ready to leave the club in the summer.
Ashley Williams has won 51% of his duels this season in the Premier League.
