Arsenal are leading the race to sign Southampton defender Jose Fonte according to Tutto Mercato Web.
The Italian website has revealed that the Gunners have offered £10million to secure the services of the 32-year-old.
The top target for manager Arsene Wenger remains Germany's Shkodran Mustafi but the Frenchman also wants to add an experienced central defender before the end of the summer transfer window.
The Portuguese joined the Saints during the 2010 winter transfer window and became one of the most important players at the St Mary's Stadium.
At the start of the week, he made it clear that he wants to stay at Southampton but also that he is flattered by the attention he is receiving from top clubs in England.
"If the interest in there, it is a reason to be flattered to be associated with a club like Manchester United," he told Mais Futebol.
"But I have a contract with Southampton, and I'm just focused on my work, to make a great season.
"I will not deny that Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world and that it makes me happy to be associated with it. But to be Manchester United's player is a big difference."
