Arsenal are the new favourites to snap up Dortmund centre back Mats Hummels, after it emerged Manchester United have ended their interest in the defender.
United had been heavily linked with the World Cup winner in the summer transfer window.
Arsene Wenger is said to have made signing Hummels his top priority in January, but may have to pay top dollar for him.
If Hummels were to swap Dortmund for North London, he would join his German international teammates: Mesut Ozil, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski.
It appears Louis van Gaal is focussed on bringing in Ezequiel Garay from Zenit, who would potentially partner fellow Argentine Marcos Rojo.
The Old Trafford club are likely to make a move for Garay in January, leaving the door open for Wenger to bid for Hummels.
Both teams are looking to strengthen their vulnerable central defence as soon as possible.
By Joseph Richardson
