Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Udinese right-back Dusan Basta as manager Arsene Wenger looks at potential alternatives to Bacary Sagna.

The French full-back is a regular when fit but is yet to sign a new contract and it seems Wenger wants to make sure he has a more experienced option as back-up.

Dusan Basta
Basta celebrates with Di Natalie [Reuters] Reuters

Carl Jenkinson has filled in and earned rave reviews for his performances while Sagna is recovering from a broken leg, but it seems Arsenal are preparing a contingency plan in case Sagna does not agree a new deal.

Metro is reporting that Basta was watched by Arsenal scouts at the start of the season and that they may make an offer for the Serbia international.

However, they also suggest that an offer could be made even if Sagna agrees to stay as Basta can also operate on the right wing, giving Wenger more options in both defence and attack.

The 28-year-old was a regular for Udinese last season, playing 31 league games and scoring five goals. He also impressed for the Italian club in his seven appearances in European competitions.

Arsenal had started the season well defensively, conceding just two goals in their opening five matches, but Wenger was critical of his defenders after the 2-1 loss to Chelsea.

"I feel we played against a good team, but we gave the game away. They had three shots on target and scored two goals, from soft set-pieces," Wenger told the Arsenal website.

"Defensively we were just not at the level you have to be in a game like that, which is where we were punished today. For the rest, we have shown quality and spirit but we have to show more personality and authority on the goals we conceded."

Basta would certainly bring a wealth of experience, having spent six years at Red Star Belgrade before moving to Udinese in the summer of 2008.