Arsenal have received encouragement should they elect to make a move to land Max Aarons from Norwich City this summer.
The Gunners could be set to lose Hector Bellerin at the end of the season, with Paris Saint-Germain reigniting their interest and Barcelona holding a long-term desire to sign the Spaniard.
Should Bellerin leave, Arsenal will need a replacement and Norwich full-back Aarons is among the names being touted for a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Competition in the market is likely to be fierce, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich among those eyeing a move, but Norwich's stance regarding a sale is promising.
"Luckily, because of this wonderful team behind the scenes, we have some really lovely players," Norwich co-owner Delia Smith said at the Financial Times Business of Football summit earlier this month.
"They've got a nice temperament and Max Aarons is one of the best. He is going to be one of the top footballers and it won't be at Norwich.
"He knows that, we know that. But we didn't have any problem with Max or his parents on this particular occasion and this particular deal. Obviously, we will lose him, but that is part of our plan."
Last year, Aarons was asked about his future amid the wealth of speculation and told the Athletic : “It’s kind of natural that, as a 20-year-old playing in the Premier League, there will be things out there in the press. I just leave that to the people off the pitch, like Stuart [Webber, Norwich sporting director] or the club to deal with.
“I’ve just tried to focus on finishing the season well in myself and now going away, relaxing over the weeks we have off, and then coming in strong for pre-season. Anything else that happens or takes place, it’s not really in my hands. All I can do as a professional footballer is try to develop my game and come back sharp, come back strong and come back ready for a big season.
“I’ve got four years left on my contract here, so I’ll be coming back ready to go, ready to attack next year.”
