Arsenal have reportedly been in contact with Jonathan Ikone's representatives over a potential transfer this summer...

What's the word?

That's according to an exclusive report by Anfield Central, who claim that the Gunners have held talks with the 23-year-old LOSC Lille attacker and his agents amid claims that Liverpool have pulled out of a deal due to unreasonable financial demands.

It's thought that the Ligue 1 champions will let Ikone depart for a fee in the region of £40m, whilst the 5 foot 9 frontman is asking for £150k-per-week wages, with a substantial signing on bonus too.

That's why talks are said to have broken down with the Merseyside giants.

Part-attacker, part-creator

If Mikel Arteta wants a versatile presence in attack, then the France U21 international is a very worthy candidate. In this campaign alone, he's played anywhere along the front three as well as in the hole behind the striker.

As per Transfermarkt, Ikone provided seven goals and seven assists in all competitions, helping Lille pip his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, to the title.

He built on his 11 direct goal contributions from the 2019/20 campaign, and his three goals and 11 assists a season earlier, where he played alongside current Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe.

Interestingly, it's another link to North London that makes Ikone even more appealing, as the 23-year-old has modelled his game on Mesut Ozil.

"I was mostly attracted to dribbling growing up, but having been put into the No.10 position I've become more interested in those who can unlock a game, like Ozil," he claimed, via Ligue 1's official website. "Today, I dribble less, I've tried to simplify my game and become better and providing beautiful passes, the final pass before a goal."

The young French starlet has also been lauded as a "midfielder with a great future" by PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and a "very talented young player" with "great potential" by Lille's deputy CEO Marc Ingla, both via the same source.

Also likened to Angel Di Maria, Ikone has been described as an "offensive all-rounder," meaning he's an intriguing candidate to not only potentially replace Alexandre Lacazette or Eddie Nketiah but also provide cover on either flank and potentially fill the void left behind by Ozil, whom he aspires to be like.

AND in other news, Edu could land Arsenal their next Ramsey in "devastating" £27m-rated "special talent"...