Brad Guzan
Arsenal keeping tabs on Villa's Guzan. (Reuters)

Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan, reports suggest.

The American shot stopper has asserted himself as the Villains' number one choice in goal over the past year and his excellent form was rewarded by a new four year contract in July.

The 29-year-old's consistency in goal has not gone unnoticed by Arsene Wenger, according to Major League Soccer's official website, who suggest the Gunners have recently been monitoring Guzan having dispatched scouts to oversee his performances on three occasions this season.

While Wojciech Szczesny has gone some way in reasserting himself as the club's firm number one choice having started every Premier League and Champions League game for the club this season, the Gunners remained linked with another shot stopper throughout the summer.

Wenger saw fit to bring in additional cover to compete with Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski when he enlisted the services of Emiliano Viviano, signing the Italian on a season long loan deal from Palermo, but is yet to feature for the Gunners as of yet.

Guzan enjoyed an excellent afternoon against Arsenal on the first day of the season when he side took a shock 3-1 win at the Emirates.

Despite losing their next three games, Villa have rectified that by taking seven points from their last available nine, with Guzan claiming clean sheets in a recent away win over Norwich and draw with Hull City.

The American's key role in the current Villa set up marks a remarkable turnaround for the shot stopper, who was named as one of three players being released by the club in May 2012.

Paul Lambert's arrival as Villa boss saw his services retained however and he would soon displace Shay Given as the club's first choice custodian, going on play a key role in ensuring the club avoided relegation from the Premier League last season.

The report claims it is unknown as to whether Arsenal have sounded out the possibility of signing the goalkeeper, having yet made any contact with Guzan's representatives or Aston Villa.