Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea are reportedly involved in a battle to sign Lille winger Nicolas Pepe.
The Gunners have long been linked with the Ivory Coast international, who is said to be rated at £45m and is believed to be keen to move to England.
He has scored 12 goals this season for Lille, playing a key role in their excellent campaign – they are second in the French top flight behind leaders Paris St-Germain.
And the Daily Star have picked up on reports in France suggesting that Arsenal are keen to sign him but face competition from Spurs and Chelsea.
According to French publication L’Equipe, Lille are open to selling the player, despite previously insisting no offers for him would be considered during the January transfer window.
Lille owner Gerard Lopez has been quoted as saying: “What if Barcelona gives me €100million to buy Pepe? He will not leave this winter. I want him to continue here, we want him to stay, he wants to stay.”
However, L’Equipe say that Lille’s position has softened and that Pepe could move next month.
Arsenal’s head of football Raul Sanllehi has previously made it clear he does not like the January window and would rather not sign players.
However, injuries to Danny Welbeck and a number of defenders mean Arsenal now look likely to do some business.