Arsenal preparing £20m move for Wales and Swansea City captain

Arsenal are reportedly ready to try and lure Wales international defender Ashley Williams to the Emirates Stadium this summer, according to the Express.

The Premier League side, who currently sit third in the English top-flight and must defeat Aston Villa at home on Sunday afternoon to have any chance of finishing above North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the standings, have been continually linked with a move for Swansea City’s star centre-half throughout previous transfer windows.

The 31-year-old, who has 58 international caps for his country and is expected to feature for Wales at EURO 2016 later this year in France, has scored two goals and provided one assist in 36 league appearances for the Swans this season.

Williams, who is captain of his club and country, has been identified as the sort of character Gunners boss Arsene Wenger wants in his defence next term.

The report suggests that Arsenal could offer around £20m for the Welshman, who will celebrate his 32nd birthday come August.