Sign up to FREE email alerts from Mirror - Arsenal FC Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Arsene Wenger could go back for Swansea captain Ashley Williams to ease Arsenal's defensive injury worries.

Wenger sent scouts to watch the Wales centre-half in Europa League win against Malmo on Thursday night - proof that the 28-year-old is still on the Gunners’ hit list.

The north Londoners were initially scared off by Williams’ £10million valuation, but we understand the Welsh club may now be willing to let him go for £8.5m if a top club comes in.

Wenger already has Thomas Vermaelen out for six weeks with a back injury, and Nacho Monreal could also miss the start of the season.

The Spaniard will only return to training on Monday after having injections in a disc problem.

Elsewhere, Arsenal are close to agreeing a deal with Roma for Ivory Coast forward Gervinho.

The Italians' sporting director, Walter Sabatini, has flown to London to thrash out the transfer, with personal terms agreed with Gervinho on a four- year deal which includes a one-year option.

Roma have offered £6m, but Arsenal want £7m.

Wenger is reluctant to give up on a player bought for £10.5m two years ago, but fears there is no way back for him in the eyes of the fans because his confidence was shattered last season.

* ARSENAL rising star Chuks Aneke has rejoined Crewe on a six-month loan, after being farmed out to the League One club for all of last season.