According to reports in Goal and Sports Mole as well as other news outlets, Arsenal are looking to buy another central defender to boost their defensive options.

Michael Ciani, 32, rescinded his contract with La Liga side Espanyol after just featuring on three league occasions for the Spanish side over the course of last term as well as the current campaign too.

He was described as being available on a free transfer, but after more thorough research it has been confirmed that he is not only training with his former side Lorient in Ligue 1 – he has joined them on a one-year contract deal.

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) vies with Espanyol's French defender Michael Ciani (L) during the Spanish Copa del Rey (King's Cup) round of 16 second leg football match RCD Espanyol vs FC Barcelona at Cornella-El Prat stadium in Cornella near Barcelona, on January 13, 2016. AFP PHOTO/ LLUIS GENE / AFP / LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images)
Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) vies with Espanyol’s French defender Michael Ciani (L) during the Spanish Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) round of 16 second leg football match RCD Espanyol vs FC Barcelona at Cornella-El Prat stadium in Cornella near Barcelona, on January 13, 2016. AFP PHOTO/ LLUIS GENE / AFP / LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images)

Ciani made over 100 appearances for Lorient between 2006 and 2009, and the validity of this transfer story was boosted by claims he is an Arsenal supporter.

As quoted by Goal, he said that he likes the football in England’s top flight, as well as “the mentality” and everything.

“I have the physique to play there. I loved Arsenal growing up and always wanted to play in England so I think it is my time to play there.”

He was eager for first-team action on a regular basis so as opposed to waiting patiently for an opportunity, he preferred to cancel his contract in an attempt to force a move for senior minutes this term.

Lorient have him listed as a player (without a squad number) on their official Wikipedia page and the deal to resign the 32-year-old Frenchman was completed over the past 24 hours, according to France’s L’Equipe newspaper.