Arsen Wenger has named three French international stars as his top targets ahead of the summer transfer window, according to a report from the Mirror.
The newspaper claims that Monaco starlets Kylian Mbappe and Thomas Lemar, and Olympique Lyonnais striker Alexandre Lacazette are at the top of Wenger’s shortlist this summer.
The Gunners face a fight to secure any of the trio, with a number of top-flight clubs rumoured to be interested in securing their signatures.
The Mirror report that Real Madrid are willing to break the world record for the 18-year-old Mbappe, who has shone on both the domestic and European stage for French champions Monaco.
He scored 15 goals in 29 league appearances, 17 of those starts, while he hit six goals in nine Champions league outings to fire his side to the semi-final stage and earn himself a place in Didier Deschamp’s France team, where he’s appeared three times.
Meanwhile Mbappe’s team mate Lemar has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal’s North London rivals Tottenham, as reported by L’Equipe, with Sky Bet naming the Lilywhites as firm favourites to snatch up the left winger this summer.
In what was his debut season at Monaco, Lemar scored 14 goals and made 17 assists over 55 appearances in all competitions, while he has also gone on to make four appearances for the French national side.
Lyon striker Lacazette has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in the past, and the rumours have surfaced once again this summer.
However, Wenger may have to be prepared to splash the cash for the 11-time-capped international, with the Telegraph reporting that the French side will demand up to £60million for the 26-year-old.
He was another player who was in impressive form last season, hitting 37 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions, firing his side to the Europa League semi-finals.