Arsenal earmark Bellerin replacement

Arsenal have identified Udinese defender Silvan Widmer as a possible replacement for Hector Bellerin.

According to TMW, Arsene Wenger and new Head of Football Relations Raul Sanllehi are both admirers of Widmer, and would like to bring him in ahead of a potential Bellerin exit.

The defender has impressed for Udinese this season after recovering from a longterm injury.

Bellerin has shown indifferent form for the Gunners this season and was poor in Arsenal’s draw at Southampton last weekend.

Widmer (left) in action for Udinese.

Football Espana are reporting that the 22 year-old is being chased by Juventus as they line up a replacement for the ageing Stephan Lichtensteiner, 33.

Barcelona also hold a longterm interest in the Spaniard and should he depart the Emirates next summer Arsenal will work on recruiting Switzerland international Widmer.

The report also claims that Udinese are well aware of Arsenal’s interest in the right-back after an enquiry was mad about the 24-year-old’s availability.