Ruben Dias replaces Laurent Koscielny at the place of Arsenal

Arsenal are looking for Laurent Koscielny's replacement, Benfica central defender Ruben Dias, according to reports.

Koscielny gave Unai Emery a new headache this week after refusing to join the team for his pre-season tour of the United States.

At one meeting, the 33-year-old confided to Emery that he wished to leave Arsenal and that he had aroused the interest of several Ligue 1 clubs.

Arsenal has a summer budget of only £ 45 million and Emery is desperately seeking to strengthen several areas of his squad, including a new left-back and winger.

But now, a central defender could become one of Arsenal's priorities after Koscielny refused to board the plane for the United States.

According to MailOnline, Dias is back on Arsenal's radar after initially dismissing a transfer for the Portuguese international earlier this summer.

The 22-year-old has a € 66 million release clause in his contract with Benfica, but Arsenal hopes to negotiate a lower tariff with the champions of Portugal.

Arsenal had looked for alternatives, but without success, and would have made it its main goal to strengthen Emery's options for central defense.