Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is understood to be keen on bolstering his defence in the January transfer window and is keeping an eye on Bari duo, Andrea Ranocchia and Leonardo Bonucci.

The central defensive partners are tipped for bright futures in the game and have helped the Galletti remain the tightest defence in Serie A this season, having conceded just four goals in seven matches.

Bari's sporting director Giorgio Perinetti confirmed to the Daily Mail that Wenger dispatched scouts to Italy to watch the highly-rated duo in Bari's recent 0-0 draw with AC Milan at the San Siro.

"When we played against Milan, there were a couple of emissaries from Arsenal, who came to take a look at our central defenders, Bonucci and Ranocchia," said Perinetti.

"I guess they did not waste their trip, as the two boys are fine players."

Ranocchia, 22, is a towering 6ft 5in centre-back, who has been capped for the Italy Under-21 side on several occasions, while Bonucci, also 22, is more 'cultured' if you will and can play all across the back-line.

Wenger is on the lookout fo defensive reinforcements having sold Kolo Toure to Manchester City during the summer, while the future of William Gallas remains uncertain as his contract expires at the end of the current campaign.

New signing Thomas Vermaelen has made an impressive start to life at the Emirates Stadium, however Philippe Senderos and Mikaël Silvestre remain unreliable deputies, should either of his first choice pairing get injured.

One stumbling block, should Wenger pursue his interest in Ranocchia and Bonucci is that both men are co-owned by fellow Serie A side Genoa, who may well decide to retain their option to buy them back following their impressive starts to the season.