AC Milan have reportedly started to consider joining the race to sign Juventus defender Mehdi Benatia.

The 31-year-old has spent the last three years representing the Italian champions, but the centre-back has been restricted to just five appearances in Serie A and the Champions League this season.

That has allegedly resulted in interest from Manchester United and Arsenal - who could be in the market for a new defender in January - but according to Sport Mediaset, Milan are also monitoring the situation.

Gennaro Gattuso's side require a replacement for the injured Mattia Caldara, and that could see a loan bid made for Morocco international Benatia.

The report suggests that Milan would have to commit to paying a €15m (£13.1m) fee for a permanent transfer at the end of the season.

Benatia has also played for Udinese and Roma in Italy's top flight, while three years were spent contracted to Bayern Munich.