Arsenal are preparing to make a bid to prise Touré Yaya away from Barcelona to join his brother Kolo at the Emirates in the winter transfer window, according to a report. The Gunners were linked with the 25-year-old as both his sibling and manager Arséne Wenger made it be known that the would like him to move to England.

Kolo has been linked with a switch to Manchester City, but would certainly stay in London should Yaya show any sign that he is willing to leave Camp Nou. According to The Sun newspaper, Arsenal are preparing to launch a €7m quest to test Barcelona's resolve, but it would appear that the Catalan outfit would demand far more than that.

Josep Guardiola, coach of the Catalan outfit, views every member of his squad as crucial at this moment, as he has stated on several occasions, and would not want to see anyone leave mid.season. Barça are currently six points clear at the top of la Primera and eased to qualification of the next phase in the Champions League after a superb start to the season under their new coach.

Touré has started in all nine matches in which he has appeared and he is seen as a vital member of the midfield, which has meant that he has shown no desire to leave.

The Gunners may want to strengthen their squad, but the report could be some way wide of the mark unless Barça use the deal as part of a first-choice option on buying Cesc Fàbregas back in the future.