Real Madrid have reportedly made an initial enquiry as to the availability of Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as they prepare to launch a bid for the player.
The Gunners desperately want to keep the striker at the club, but with his contract set to expire at the end of next season they may have no option but to sell him this summer in order to get a transfer fee rather than letting him leave on a free transfer.
And according to France Football Madrid have been in contact with Arsenal to enquire about the likelihood of being able to sign him before next summer.
However, a source told the publication: "On the market, a serial goalscorer like Aubameyang is valued at €50m (£43.5m) as he enters the final year of his contract.
"But I think that Arsenal are going to do everything they can to keep him. I see them more likely selling (Alexandre) Lacazette and taking another major striker."
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, has told his board to do whatever it takes to keep Aubameyang at the club.
Speaking last month, he said: "We will have to do that [sort out his deal] before the end of the season. I want to keep him in any circumstances.”
Aubameyang is thought to be desperate to play Champions League football, and under Unai Emery contract negotiations were ended.
But he has been outstanding under Arteta, showing his importance to the club with his goals and also operating selflessly from the left side.
Additionally, he also made clear how much he is embracing the new direction in which the club is heading the head coach, working relentlessly both in attack and defence and leading by example.
Aubameyang had scored 17 goals in the Premier League before the season was suspended, and has netted a total of 61 times for the club since he joined from Dortmund in 2017.
