Arsenal will reportedly push to complete the signing of Eibar defender Florian Lejeune when the transfer window reopens in July.
The Frenchman was previously in the ranks of Manchester City between 2015 and 2016 before he was sold out to Spanish minnows Eibar on a four-year contract.
Lejeune has since made himself a regular for the La Liga outfit, who have been performing above expectations this season, and lie eighth in the league standings.
The Paris-born defender is currently the third-most player in terms of game time achieved at Eibar this campaign and his showing on the playing field appears to have caught the attention of manager Arsene Wenger, MARCA claims.
Wenger currently faces an uncertain future at the Emirates beyond the summer, but he is still prepared to activate the player’s release clause which currently stands at around £8.7m.
The 25-year-old is mainly a central defender by trade, who could also be deployed in the holding midfield role, and he could be seen as a long-term successor to Laurent Koscielny in the heart of the defence.
Standing skipper Laurent Koscielny has transformed into one of Premier League’s best centre-backs since arriving from French club Lorient in 2010, and Wenger feels Lejeune could have a similar impact in north London in the future.
Lejeune’s potential to feature in the centre of the park could make him a surprise package with the Gunners still struggling to find leadership quality and the additional defensive cover in the big games.
Meanwhile, Lejeune ain’t the only one on the Gunners’ summer shortlist with Everton’s Idrissa Gueye also being eyed to take up a role at the heart of the midfield.
Lejeune, who has previously represented France at the Under-20 international, could be one of the many signings for Arsenal this summer as they seek to overcome yet another frustrating campaign in the Premier League. He currently has three years left on his existing deal at Eibar.
