Arsenal definitely have defender Evan Ndicka as a "player of interest" ahead of the January transfer window, according to Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

Reports in Italy earlier this month claimed Ndicka had even got as far as signing a pre-contract agreement with the Gunners, but that doesn't appear to be the case.

What’s the latest news involving Evan Ndicka?

With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Eintracht Frankfurt defender Ndicka could be about to swap the Bundesliga for the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta is rumoured to be chasing the highly-rated centre-back, as the Arsenal manager continues to build a squad capable of challenging in the top flight.

A lack of strength in depth has plagued previous Arsenal managers, with Arteta keen to avoid making the same mistakes during his tenure.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães formed a formidable defensive partnership for the Gunners in the first part of the season, with Arsenal looking to add further quality in that area of the pitch.

While Ndicka is likely to see out the remainder of his contract with Frankfurt, the defender would be able to agree a pre-contract with clubs outside of Germany when the transfer window opens in January.

And it looks like Arsenal could be best placed to pounce on the 23-year-old.

What has Ryan Taylor said about Ndicka?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Taylor revealed that Ndicka had been a long-time target of the Gunners and his agent is the man who brokered the Nicolas Pepe to Arsenal deal according to Sport Bild, via Arsenal insider.

"He's a player they looked at 18 months ago," Taylor told GMS.

"At the time I believed he shared the same agent as Nicolas Pepe and Yves Bissouma."

Having made his senior debut for Eintracht aged just 17-years-old, Ndicka has been on the radar of top European clubs for some time.

But Taylor believes now is the right time for the defender to complete a switch to the Premier League.

"Ndicka is definitely a player of interest for Arsenal," the journalist explained.

"He's one Arsenal are looking at, but nothing is imminent yet."

Additionally, Taylor revealed that much like the earlier reports suggest, Ndicka is likely to stay at Eintracht until the end of the campaign and join Arsenal on a free transfer in the summer.

"Just to add to that, I do expect Ndicka to stay at Frankfurt until the end of the season."

What type of player is Ndicka?

At 6 ft 4 tall, Ndicka has a leggy stride that may appear gangly at first, but in fact adds to his impressive natural physique.

Capable of breaking the midfield lines with an inch-perfect pass, Ndicka's progressive playing style on the ball would no doubt suit Arteta's philosophy.

Despite his tall frame, Ndicka is quick across the ground and has the ability to cover space left in behind the defensive line.

While far from the finished product, at just 23-year-old, Ndicka has plenty of time for development with Arsenal keen to ensure his future is at the Emirates Stadium.