Arsenal 'weighing up move for Southampton left back Ryan Bertrand'

Arsenal are weighing up a potential move for Southampton left back Ryan Bertrand, according to reports.

The club are understood to be keen to provide competition for Kieran Tierney after Sead Kolasinac's departure - and Bertrand features on the shortlist of replacements.

The Evening Standard claim Bertrand, who has just six months left on his deal, is just one of a number of targets Arsenal are considering, however.

Bertrand has been locked in talks with the hierarchy at St Mary's over a contract extension but no agreement has materialised.

As it stands, the 31-year-old would be able to seal a free transfer away from the south coast outfit in the summer.

But it is believed that Bertrand would be open to the idea of remaining at Southampton and penning fresh terms - although the state of talks remains unclear.

The same report states that the England international would find it 'hard' to snub a move to Arsenal should a new deal not materialise.

Southampton are unlikely to allow Bertrand to leave this month, though, with the player remaining their only senior left back.

As such, Bertrand would reportedly be open to waiting until the end of the season before making a decision over his future.

The former Chelsea youngster joined Southampton in 2014, initially on loan, and made the switch permanent the following year for a touted fee of £10million.

He may feature against Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round clash at lunchtime.