Arsenal are set to battle it out with Liverpool for Swansea City defender Ashley Williams, according to the
Daily Mail. The centre-back has had an impressive season for Michael Laudrup's League Cup-winning side, and his performances have reportedly alerted Arsene Wenger and his chief scout Steve Rowley. Arsenal have been steadily bolstering their defensive ranks, starting with the purchase of Malaga left-back Nacho Monreal on transfer deadline day. Now they are set to add another defender to their squad by following up their interest with a concrete bid in the summer, according to the same report. Sources close to the Swansea captain suggest that the player would find it hard to resist the urge to move to a more high profile club in the summer, despite the fact his current club are guaranteed a place in Europe through their League Cup win whilst Arsenal are currently battling for fifth place. Meanwhile, Liverpool also remain in the hunt for the defender. Brendan Rodgers remains hopeful that he can fend off interest from Arsene Wenger's side, and the former Swansea boss is keen to be reunited with his former player. The two Premier League heavyweights could now go toe-to-toe for the player's services.