Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is eager to find a ball-winning midfielder.
The Telegraph says Arsenal want to sign a holding midfield player and, having been rebuffed by Bayer Leverkusen over a potential £19 million deal for Lars Bender, are assessing options that include Toulouse's Étienne Capoue and Everton's Marouane Fellaini.
Gareth Barry, who is out of contract at Manchester City next year, is a cheaper and more short-term option.