Arsenal are stepping up their interest in strengthening in defence this summer, with a top young centre-back likely to be the priority.

The Gunners have a long-standing interest in Real Madrid’s Victor Valdepenas, and my sources have confirmed another name to me in conversations this morning.

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One player Arsenal really like, and who is attracting growing interest ahead of this summer, is Como centre-back Jacobo Ramon.

The 21-year-old joined Como from Real Madrid last summer, and it’s important to note that they have a buy-back clause, and also a 50% sell-on clause.

The buy-back clause gives Real the edge if they decide to re-sign him, which is possible but I can’t confirm that it’s on the cards at the moment, while the hefty sell-on clause is likely to inflate his price so Como can still make decent money from any deal.

Arsenal and Chelsea in mix for Jacobo Ramon transfer

Chelsea have been linked with Ramon in recent times and my understanding is that they are still considering him as one of a number of options to strengthen their defence this summer.

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