Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has steered the Gunners into the race for highly rated young Nancy midfielder Youssef Ait Bennasser, a player already being monitored by several other clubs.
Wenger is alive to a number of talents in France and has been impressed by Bennasser's performances in the second tier for Nancy this term.
The young midfielder has clocked up 17 appearances in Ligue 2 for Nancy, scoring one goal in the process.
According to French programme Telefoot, Wenger is keeping a close watch on Bennasser ahead of a potential bid.
But Arsenal are not the only club aware of Bennasser's progress at Nancy.
relatedNewsStory
Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are also on the trail of the 19-year-old, while in France, both Lille and Monaco are keen.
Nancy currently sit top of Ligue 2 and are on course to earn promotion to the French top flight.
As such it is unlikely Les Chardons will be open to allowing Bennasser to depart mid-season.
