Arsenal are said to have shown an interest in AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie, but could face competition from London rivals West Ham for his signature.
Kessie first joined Milan from Cessena in 2017 and has become an important first-team player for the Serie A club, while he has also won 35 caps for the Ivory Coast and finished as the joint-top assist provider in the Africa Cup of Nations last year.
According to Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport Kessie is being monitored by both London clubs, and a transfer tussle between the two could break out before the close of the window.
The 23-year-old is valued at around £20m by Milan, which would represent a relative bargain in today's market.
Although Milan are struggling down in 10th place in Serie A, Kessie has been one of their standout performers this season sitting in front of the back four, and he could be just the player Arsenal are looking for.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta recently confirmed the club are working on a number of potential deals for players this month, but admitted they have had no luck so far in terms of getting one over the line.
Speaking to talkSPORT the Spaniard said: "At the moment there is nothing coming up. The club is working on a few things but you know how difficult this window is and I'm not expecting many things."
New West Ham boss David Moyes also expressed his desire to add strength in depth to his squad, with the Hammers sitting just one point above the relegation zone.
"We are short in one or two positions but I am keen to get the best out of the boys I have got," he said.
"I have probably had hundreds of agents putting people into me but at the moment, the only people I am concentrating on are the players I have here. If good players are available, we will look at them."
