Former Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City midfielder Steven Nzonzi has been an Arsenal target for "several years".
That is according to the 32-year-old's entourage, who have also said Everton had pursued him as well.
The 20-cap France international is currently on loan at French side Rennes from Serie A outfit AS Roma.
It hasn't quite worked out for Nzonzi at the Italian giants and earlier this month Foot Mercato claimed they may cut short his loan and offload him permanently.
They added that Rennes want to sign him but the Gunners and Everton are interested in his services.
Now in an interview with Ouest-France, via Get French Football News, a member of his team said Arsenal have been tracking him since Arsene Wenger's time in charge.
His team said: “Arsenal have been following him for several years, even since the Arsène Wenger era, just like Everton but it was never done.”
Arsenal are looking for another midfielder after failing to sign Houssem Aouar from Lyon.
While they did bring in Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid, they have been linked with more midfielders this month.
That includes Brighton's Yves Bissouma and Norwich City attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendia.
However, a deal for the Mali international would more likely occur in the summer as Brighton look to secure their Premier League status.
And with Norwich top of the Championship, it looks like a huge fee will be needed to lure Buendia away from the Canaries.
Therefore, Nzonzi may be a cheaper, more attainable option.
He has earned comparisons to compatriot Patrick Vieira, both in style and stature.
Nzonzi was part of France's squad that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
In the final he came on for N'Golo Kante after 55 minutes of the 4-2 win over Croatia.
