1 Lukas Klostermann

Arsenal have contacted RB Leipzig over a deal for defender Lukas Klostermann.

The 20-year-old is currently impressing for Germany at the Rio Olympics, and the Gunners are ready to step up their interest after suffering a defensive crisis.

Per Mertesacker is likely to be out until 2017 with a knee injury, while Gabriel suffered suspected ankle ligament damage during Sunday’s pre-season friendly against Manchester City on Sunday.

With Laurent Koscielny also not fully fit after being given an extended break, Arsene Wenger faces going into this weekend’s Premier League opener against Liverpool without a senior centre-back.

Wenger is now ready to bring in a new defender and have targeted Klostermann, who they have been tracking for several months.

The German is able to operate at centre-back and right-back and he has been tipped for a big future.

According to Bild, Arsenal are ready to pounce for the defender after making contact with RB Leipzig.

Ajax, Juventus and Tottenham are all interested in Klostermann, but the Gunners are now leading the race after telling the player’s representatives they are desperate for him to come to the Emirates.