Arsenal are lining up a January swoop for Villareal midfielder Pablo Fornals, according to The Sun.
The newspaper report that the highly-rated 22-year-old playmaker has a £17.8million release clause in his contract at the La Liga club, with the Gunners now ready to match that valuation.
The Sun claim that Arsenal manager Unai Emery is keen for Fornals to showcase his talent in the Premier League, with the youngster having broken into the Spain team in recent months.
Good move for Arsenal?
Absolutely.
Fornals has been on fire for Villareal this season, including a stunning 40-yard effort against Athletic Bilbao which is a contender for La Liga goal of the season.
The 22-year-old has scored three goals and registered two assists in 17 games in all competitions so far this term, and has been a standout performer for the struggling side.
Furthermore, a £17.8million price tag is not exactly prohibitive, and could represent brilliant value for the Gunners in the January market.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
Should the Gunners actually trigger his release clause, then there is no reason why this deal will no go through.
Arsenal will however have competition for his signature, with Fornals surely attracting the attention of other top clubs with his form this season.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10