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Arsenal are interested in signing Barcelona captain Carles Puyol next summer when his current contract expires, according to reports.

The 31-year-old has spent his entire career with the Camp Nou club, making more than 300 la Liga appearances for the Catalans since graduating from the club's B team in 1999.

The Euro 2008 winner, who has 78 caps for his country, has yet to agree a new deal with the European champions, with speculation rife in Spain that Puyol will seek a a fresh challenge next summer as he edges closer to retirement.

And, according to Sport, Arsene Wenger is considering making a move for the experienced defender, seeing him as an ideal partner for Thomas Vermaelen at the heart of the Gunners' defence.

However, the Emirates Stadium outfit could face competition for Puyol's signature from Premier League rivals Manchester City, who will look to add to their already stellar squad both in January and next summer in an attempt to secure both Champions League qualification and the Premier League title under billionaire owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.