Odds slashed on Arsenal signing Man City defender Aymeric Laporte

Odds have been slashed on Arsenal signing Aymeric Laporte from Manchester City ahead of the transfer deadline.

Laporte has been the subject of intense transfer speculation, with a move away from the Etihad this summer thought to be on the cards.

He made just 12 appearances in the Premier League last season as he dropped down the pecking order behind Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake.

The French-born Spanish international is liked by the Gunners, who may be forced to re-enter the transfer market following Jurrien Timber's injury in their Premier League season opener against Nottingham Forest.

Laporte could be the perfect solution, but the Blues don't want to sell another player to Arteta's team following the transfers of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus.

But the bookies fancy him moving to the Emirates as odds from BettingSites.co.uk place the North London outfit as the player's second most likely destination behind a transfer to Saudi Arabia.

Odds on Aymeric Laporte's next club:

Any Saudi Pro League club - 3/1

Arsenal - 7/2

Athletic Bilbao - 4/1

Tottenham - 5/1

West Ham United - 12/1

Aston Villa - 14/1

Aymeric Laporte during pre-season. Image: Getty

Fabrizio Romano talked up Arsenal's pursuit of Laporte, highlighting Man City's reluctance to sell him to their domestic rivals.

"Earlier in the summer, Arsenal looked at bringing in a 'traditional' centre-back, more than a versatile player like Timber, who can play everywhere in defence," he said.

"One player they appreciate is Aymeric Laporte - the rumours are true in the sense that he is liked by Arsenal. But the problem is Manchester City don’t want to sell another player to Arsenal, they prefer another destination for him, so let’s see if Arsenal return for Laporte or if they try to replace Timber with a full-back instead.

"Internal discussions will take place on that, with Mikel Arteta involved."

The 29-year-old would bring a wealth of experience to Arsenal, having won five Premier League titles during his time at Man City.

Will he leave the English champions before the window slams shut? Watch this space.