Raphael Guerreiro
Arsenal are tracking highly-rated Lorient full-back Raphael Guerreiro (R) Getty

Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Lorient defender Raphael Guerreiro during the ongoing January transfer window.

According to the Daily Mail, Arsene Wenger is monitoring the Portuguese left-back with a view to a move in the future, as the manager scours the continent in search of defensive reinforcements.

The 21-year-old full-back's versatility would have impressed Wenger, as he can not only play in the defensive role but can also operate as a winger.

Guerreiro, was playing for Caen in Ligue 2 and was named in the league's team of the season in 2013/14. This earned him a move to the top tier of French football with Lorient and he has quickly played himself into the manager's plans and is now a regular member of the club's starting XI.

The Portuguese left-back's impressive performances has seen him capped twice at senior level for his country and this has attracted the interest of the north London club, who are on the market for defensive signings.

The Gunners have suffered major injuries to defenders in the first-half of the Premier League season and the manager has indicated that he will sign a defender in January.

Arsenal currently have Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal in that position, but the latter has often been used as a central defender this season and Wenger will be keen to bring in a younger backup for the former, who is the current first-choice left-back.

Meanwhile, another Arsenal youngster Hector Bellerin, who has been impressing at right-back for the Gunners this season, has revealed that he constantly analyses his game as well the other players, who are competing with him in his position.

"You know that if they are in front of you, it's because they are better than you, so that means that they are something that you're not doing right," Bellerin told Arsenal's official site.

"When Bacary was here, I used to look at his games and analyse him, because I think he was one of the best players we used to have on the pitch. When Jenko or Calum play, it's about analysing the things they do right and wrong," the young Spaniard explained.

"When I play my games, I need to analyse myself. I need to wait for my time - work hard every day and be patient, because that's what it's about," the Gunners right-back added.