Arsenal are in the midst of a summer of change with Sven Mislintat and Raul Sanllehi plotting an overhaul of new head coach Unai Emery’s squad. Bolstering a leaky backline is high on their list of priorities, with the likes of Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Caglar Soyuncu on the Gunners’ radar. Arsenal have already brought in Stephan Lichtsteiner to strengthen their options in the full-back positions. And reports in Spain indicate they could move for Layun too as they prepare to challenge on four fronts next season.

Arsenal transfer news: How the Gunners could line up in 2018/19 Mon, July 9, 2018 Arsenal are facing a revolutionary summer transfer window – but how could they line up next season? Play slideshow Arsenal FC via Getty Images 1 of 19 How could Arsenal line up at the start of the 2018/19 season if they land all their transfer targets?

According to AS, Arsenal took note of Layun’s performance as Mexico secured a shock win over Germany at the World Cup. And they have made their interest in the former Watford ace known by getting in touch with his representatives. Arsenal will have to wait and see if Sevilla exercise their option to purchase Layun from Porto having had him on loan this season. But AS indicate that prospective £5.3m (€6m) deal is unlikely to happen with 10 days to go before the respective clause expires. Arsenal are not alone in targeting Layun, who will line up for Mexico against South Korea on Saturday.

Arsenal transfer news: Mexico World Cup star Miguel Layun targeted by Gunners chiefs

AC Milan and Marseille are said to be keen on the versatile 29-year-old full-back as well. Speaking after Mexico’s win over Germany, Layun joked he could follow Antoine Griezmann by making a documentary with Gerard Pique about a decision on his future. "The people from Porto want me to come back, but nothing is clear," said Layun. "I want to enjoy the World Cup, we'll see if a door opens. Pique if you're listening to me, we'll make a documentary."

Layun, who can play in either full-back position, may be put off joining Arsenal though by the presence of established defenders Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal. Meanwhile, Layun has leapt to the defence of Mexico manager Juan Carlos Osorio. "I’ve never been able to understand the criticism toward ‘El Mister'," said Layun, who played in midfield against Germany. "I never have, and I never will, honestly. "Because you see someone who puts himself into things like he does for this group, for this team, it’s difficult to see that from the outside, without knowing the intricacies of things or living the day to day like we who are part of this group. It brings up a very radical and very tough question.

Arsenal transfer news: Mexico World Cup star Miguel Layun targeted by Gunners chiefs