HITC Sport understands the Gunners are looking at the Newcastle defender.

Newcastle United’s Chancel Mbemba celebrates

Arsenal are considering a move to snap up Newcastle United’s central defender Chancel Mbemba, HITC Sport understands.

The DR Congo centre-half, who can also play at full back, was one of the few plus point for Newcastle following their relegation last season.

Newcastle’s Chancel Mbemba in action with Aston Villa’s Jordan Ayew

Mbemba signed for the club from Belgian side Anderlecht last summer in a deal worth around £8 million according to The Guardian, and he played in over 30 games.

He has played in three games this season but did pick up an ankle problem in pre-season, which is understood to not be a huge issue and would not get in the way of any proposed deal.

Newcastle’s Chancel Mbemba in action

Newcastle are ready to sell if they get an offer in excess of £15million and Arsenal are ready to make a move ahead of the transfer deadline.

The Gunners have been trying in vein to find a new centre-half and have looked at a host of players, but now they have turned their attentions to Mbemba – who does appeal given he is already tried and tested in the Premier League.

Manchester United’s Luke Shaw in action with Newcastle United’s Chancel Mbemba

A source told HITC Sport: “Mbemba is very much on Arsenal’s radar now, they have already done their homework and know the price – it would not be a complicated deal to get over the line.”

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