Arsenal are edging closer to a deal to sign Lyon playmaker Nabil Fekir.
The Gunners are deep in discussions for the France international as they look to line up a £60million deal for Fekir, who scored a penalty against Everton at Goodison Park in the Europa League.
A move, as reported by the Daily Star, would mean the 24-year-old linking up with his former Lyon team-mate Alexandre Lacazette at the Emirates.
Fekir has been compared to Lionel Messi by Lyon owner and chairman Jean-Michel Aulas.
He can play either in the hole or as a striker, providing a diverse option for an Arsenal squad that looks set to lose key men Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil over the next six months.
Neither player looks likely to sign a new deal, with their contracts set to expire at the end of the campaign.
Arsenal may have to compete with Barcelona for Fekir if they push forward with their move.
Spanish paper Marca reported last week that sporting director Robert Fernandez was in attendance at the Groupama Stadium to watch Fekir as Lyon beat Everton 3-0.
But the Nou Camp club are only eyeing up Fekir if they are unable to push through a deal for Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho.
The French forward has been in exceptional form this campaign already. Prior to the international break he played a key role in a 5-0 win against St. Etienne.
And he has already bagged 11 goals in 11 games to help Lyon to third in the Ligue 1 table.
COMMENTS