Bilbao youngster is Wenger's top target

Cape Town - Arsene Wenger wants to bring Athletic Bilbao's French centre-back Aymeric Laporte to the club in January.

The Daily Star report that Arsenal are interested in a move for 20-year-old Aymeric Laporte.

Wenger failed to replace Belgian centre-back Thomas Vermaelen in the summer but has now earmarked the young Athletic Bilbao defender as his number one January target.

Arsenal may face competition from Manchester United with both clubs having doubts about the possibility of luring German defender Mats Hummels away from Dortmund.

Laporte has been capped at every age group level by France and reportedly has a €27.5 million release clause in his current contract.