Arsenal have reportedly performed a U-turn over the decision to sell right-back Mathieu Debuchy during the January transfer window, leaving Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce out in the cold.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are supposedly interested in recruiting a new defender of their own, with River Plate teenager Emanuel Mammana apparently high on their list amid interest from north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Allardyce and the Black Cats are keen on Debuchy, but the Mackems gaffer remains unconvinced Arsenal will sell, according to Colin Harvey of the Daily Star: "I am not sure he wants to leave Arsenal or that Arsene Wenger would sell him.