Arsenal are among the teams interested in signing Denis Zakaria this summer...

What's the word?

That's according to Sport Bild's Christian Falk, who claimed on Twitter that the Gunners were "in talks" with Borussia Monchengladbach over a potential swoop for the 24-year-old midfielder.

However, the North London giants are facing stiff competition from a whole host of clubs, including arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, fellow Premier League outfit Everton and two Serie A clubs in Napoli and AS Roma.

No fee has been mentioned by the reporter but Transfermarkt currently values him at around £27m.

Shades of Vieira

Zakaria has been compared to some very interesting players throughout his career, including former Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, so perhaps their interest should come as no surprise.

"I've been compared to [Patrick] Vieira and [Paul] Pogba – two more players I really respect and, in a way, see as role models. When I watch videos of them I think I'd like to play that way," the Switzerland international once revealed to Bundesliga.com.

But could he genuinely become the Gunners' next defensive midfield animal? There's reason to be very hopeful.

Standing at 6 foot 3, Zakaria has a similar frame to that of the ex-France midfielder and just like him, he covers a lot of ground and does the so-called 'dirty work' that many shy away from.

Throughout his domestic and international career, the Gladbach powerhouse has averaged 2.4 tackles and 1.6 interceptions every 90 minutes, whilst only being dispossessed once per game, too, as per WhoScored.

Furthermore, a career passing accuracy of 86.5% suggests that he's very confident on the ball and can often be the key cog between the defence and the attack.

It's no wonder the Swiss star has been dubbed a "complete package" and a "rare talent" by GIFN editor Kaustubh Pandey, whilst he has earned even further comparisons to Toni Kross.

A perfect mix of physically imposing power and a deft touch, Zakaria could well become the Gunners' next Vieira, should technical director Edu Gaspar win the negotiations to sign him before the August 31st deadline.

His qualities may well be required with the injured Thomas Partey facing a stint on the sidelines.

Arsenal must look to secure the Gladbach monster this month.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Arsenal transfer claim, fans will be buzzing...