The Gunners haven’t given up hope of signing Hummels.
Borussia Dortmund captain Mats Hummels is a January transfer target for Arsenal, who are preparing a £32m bid for the centre-back, according to German daily Bild.
SEE ALSO:
Anderlecht v Arsenal live stream guide and Champions League preview.
Check out the greatest Premier League players ever.
Liverpool v Real Madrid live streaming guide and Champions League preview.
However, there has been much interest in the 25-year-old of late and so far Dortmund have held firm in their rejection of any approaches and are set to do the same with the Gunners.
Hummels is an important part of the system at the Signal Iduna Park and the importance of the Germany international was illustrated when manager Jurgen Klopp made him skipper over the summer.
The North Londoners have identified the defender as a key target for the New Year due to their lack of options at the back currently.
The summer departures of Johan Djourou, Bacary Sagna and Thomas Vermaelen left Arsene Wenger short in defence and although Calum Chambers and Mathieu Debuchy were both bought in as replacements, there are still only six recognised first team defenders at the Emirates Stadium.
The problem is further exacerbated with the doubts creeping in over the capabilities of Per Mertesacker, who at 30-years-old is reaching the twilight years of his career and has already been singled out for blame recently for being too slow and cumbersome at the back.
Hummels is contracted with Dortmund until 2017 though, so it would take a hefty offer to convince the Bundesliga side to sell.