Arsenal are reportedly preparing a last-minute bid to sign Montpellier's Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, despite the defender being close to sealing a move to Newcastle United.

Arsenal are reportedly preparing a last-minute bid for Montpellier HSC defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.

Newcastle United are also interested in the France international, 23, and the Magpies are understood to have had an offer in the region of £6.7m accepted by the Ligue 1 outfit.

According to The Mirror, Arsene Wenger has had his eye on Yanga-Mbiwa for almost a year and the Gunners boss wants to hijack Newcastle's move for the player.

Yanga-Mbiwa, who can play at right-back, centre-half or in the centre of midfield, has 30 months remaining on his current contract.