Arsenal transfer rumour: Gunners interested in Inter Milan defender Jeison Murillo

Arsenal are considering an approach in signing Inter Milan centre-back Jeison Murillo in the summer transfer window. He was impressive in their heart of their back four along with Miranda as the Nerazzurri conceded only 38 goals in the league, which is the third best record in the Serie A in the 2015/16 season.

According to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, the north London club are keen on securing the Colombian international's signature. The 24-year-old moved to Inter from Granada in February 2015 for a reported fee of €8m (£6m, $8.9m) and has been a key player in the back four since then. In the recently concluded season, he made 34 league appearances, which includes 32 starts.

Roberto Mancini is keen on retaining the South American defender. However, Inter are willing to part ways with Murillo if the interest club could match their asking price of €25m (£19m, $27.9m).

Murillo's form at Inter has seen him attract interest from clubs across Europe. Apart from the Gunners, Stoke City and Premier League winners Leicester City are also in the race. In addition to this, Russian outfit Zenit Saint Petersburg are also in the race in landing the defender. The former Granada man earlier admitted that his future with his current employers remains uncertain.

"My future? It is always an unknown quantity and we'll have to see what happens," Murillo told La Stampa, as quoted by Calciomercato.

"Having said that, I am very happy here. Roberto Mancini talks to us when necessary, has his ideas and is to be respected."

Meanwhile, Inter have already started shortlisting candidates who can replace Murillo at San Siro. This will come as a timely boost for Arsenal as they look to snap up Inter defender's services. PSV Eindhoven Jeffrey Bruma, Marseille defender Karim Rekik and Emanuel Mammana, Argeninte centre-back from River Plater are considered as potential candidates to replace the Colombian, if he decides to leave this summer.

Arsene Wenger has the services of Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista as the first choice centre-backs at the Emirates. Arsenal manager will be looking to bring in a long-term replacement for 31-year-old Mertesacker, who has one year left on his contract.