Arsenal have identified in-demand RC Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure as an alternative to Ghana international Thomas Partey.
Partey’s niggling injury problems has become a source of concern for manager Mikel Arteta, who is in the market for a back-up.
Arsenal will have to battle it out with Aston Villa and Atalanta for the signature of the Mali international.
The 15 million Euros rated Cheick Doucoure has been a standout performer for Lens, playing 21 Ligue 1 games last season.
Thomas Partey is nursing an ankle injury he picked in the pre-season friendly against Chelsea last month.
The 28-year-old will miss the first three games of the season, including the matches against Chelsea and Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka is expected to stay despite interest from Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma.
Egyptian midfielder Mohammed El-Nenny remains an option although he has received a lot of backlash for his performances in the Arsenal jersey.