Arsenal will reportedly battle with Manchester City in the race to sign Valencia full-back Jose Gaya in the summer.
The 21-year-old has evolved into a key performer for Los Che in recent seasons, but despite this, he has yet to step up to the Spain national side due to his inconsistency.
According to The Star, the Gunners have an eye on signing the Spain under-21 international, but they will have to fend off interest from the Citizens.
The £30m-rated star is on the radar of City boss Pep Guardiola, who is willing to offer Eliaquim Mangala on a permanent deal as part of the transfer agreement.
Gaya has long been regarded as one of the finest talents in the Spanish game, and this has kept up interest from Arsene Wenger’s side, who have tracked him on several occasions.
Arsenal currently have the likes of Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs to rely upon on the left side of the defence, but the latter’s future remains a doubt with his contract due to expire in 14 months’ time.
Monreal has performed exceptionally well over the past few outings, but the north London club are nevertheless looking into the future with Schalke’s Sead Kolasinac also on their shortlist.
Kolasinac, 23, has been heavily tipped for a Bosman move to the Emirates, and it is suggested that the Gunners are putting the finishing touches on the deal.
Regardless of this, the FA Cup finalists are being linked with a move for Gaya, who could be a mainstay for the Capital club, if he were to make the switch.
Gaya has gone on to amass over 100 outings for Valencia since his breakthrough spell under Nuno Espírito Santo in the 2014/15 season.
