Arsenal keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid defender

Arsenal are monitoring the progress of Atletico Madrid defender Javier Manquillo, according to reports in Spain.

The right-back has been one of number of Atletico players to impress this season as the club battles to break up the La Liga duopoly in Spain between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

His impressive reputation is of particular interest to Arsene Wenger, according to Spanish newspaper AS, as Bacary Sagna is out of contract at the end of the season and talks continue to drag on.

Manquillo has been representing his country since he was 15 and is currently playing for Spain’s under-21 side.

The 19-year-old played youth-team football for Real Madrid, but was released by the club along with his twin brother before they were offered professional contracts.

Atletico are aware they have a talent on their hands and have Manquillo under contract until 2018, but that might not deter the Gunners as they look to continue their assault on the Premier League title this season.