Arsenal are set for a transfer battle with AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of Bordeaux midfielder Yacine Adli.
The 21-year-old has been a long-term target for the Gunners after they made an initial approach to sign him during his time at Paris Saint-Germain in 2018.
They eventually lost out to Les Girondins, who signed him just six months later, but his time in southern France could be coming to an end this month.
However, Arsenal's pursuit of Adli won't be easy as they face strong competition from a number of European clubs, including Tottenham.
The Sun have reported that AC Milan have already submitted a bid in the region of £10 million for Adli, who still has two years left on his current deal with the French club.
This would include a 10-per-cent sell on fee, but Bordeaux are reportedly holding out for a higher figure, which gives Arsenal time to ready their bid.
Ligue 1 champions Lille are also said to be interested in Adli as they eye a replacement for Manchester United target Renato Sanches, should he depart the club.
If Adli were to move to the Emirates, there is no doubt he would bring added quality and flair in those attacking areas.
Predominantly a more advanced central midfielder, Adli can also play deeper, but it's in the number ten role where he's been so successful in his short career so far.
Although he has notched just five goals and eight assists in 69 appearances for Bordeaux, the former France youth international has the capability to pick the ball up on the half-turn and pick a pass, something which Arsenal lack.
Mikel Arteta is targeting an attacking midfielder as a long-term replacement for Mesut Ozil, with Adli now appearing to be a low-risk buy at a smaller fee.
Leicester's Jamie Maddison has also been linked with a switch to north London, but any potential transfer is likely to cost the Gunners up to £100 million, which would probably rule the move off.
After impressing in a loan spell during the second-half of last season, Martin Odegaard is also keen on a return to the Emirates and the Gunners are still keeping an eye on that situation.
Adli would prove to be an astute signing for Arteta, but this latest twist from Italian giants AC Milan is likely to make the move for him to join Arsenal more complicated this month.
