Arsenal are set to gazump Manchester City’s efforts to sign 17-year-old French midfielder Ismael Bennacer.
The French midfield starlet has been attracting attention with his performances at youth level and Manchester City were believed to be in pole position to seal his signature.
However, Arsenal got involved in the race recently and according to French sports daily L’Equipe, the Gunners are currently the top contenders to land the youngster at the moment.
While Bennacer is believed to have all but agreed to move to the Etihad, Arsenal made a late dash and it has been claimed the AC Arles-Avignon man is now close to moving to north London.
Though the deal has not been agreed formally, Arsenal are said to have offered him a five-year contract and Bennacer is set to move to the Emirates this summer.
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Arsenal are yet to agree a fee with Arles-Avignon, but the club are confident that they will soon reach an agreement to sign the young midfielder.
Bennacer has represented France at youth level and has a contract until 2019 with his current club.
He has only made seven senior appearances for the Ligue 2 side.
