ESPANYOL’S Mario Hermoso is reportedly the latest defender added to Arsenal’s summer shopping list.

Gunners boss Unai Emery is desperate to bolster his backline as the club are linked with a host of potential centre-backs.

Roma’s Greek international Kostas Manolas and Getafe’s Djene were believed to be the two top targets for the Spanish coach.

Now Spanish publication Sport claim Hermoso, 23, has emerged as another.

But Arsenal will face some stiff competition to bring the Spain international to the Emirates.

French giants Paris Saint-Germain and German champions Bayern Munich are also allegedly keen on the ex-Real Madrid ace.

Hermoso has been at Espanyol since 2017 and was one of their outstanding performers as they battled to a seventh-place finish in La Liga.

The star has release clause in his contract that would allow him to leave for £35million.

But today’s report claims Espanyol would be willing to do business for £18m.

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However, a stumbling block in the form of Madrid could make any deal a complicated affair.

The Bernabeu outfit inserted a buy-back option into the deal when he left them for Espanyol on a free transfer.

That figure stands at just £6m, meaning they could trigger that clause and try to flog him themselves for a hefty profit.

Meanwhile, Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech will make a decision on his future after the Europa League final following reports that Chelsea want him to be sporting director.

The 37-year-old, who spent 11 years between the sticks at Stamford Bridge, will end his 20 year playing career this season after the showpiece in Bake on May 29.

According to Sky Sports News, Cech has been offered the chance to continue his career with his former club next season.

But Cech tweeted: "Despite the news today as I had already said to everybody before, I’ll make decision about my future after the last game. Now my sole focus is to win the EL with Arsenal."

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