Respected transfer insider Gianluca Di Marzio has dropped an exciting update regarding Arsenal's interest in Monaco midfielder, Aurelien Tchouameni...

What's the word?

Speaking to German outlet Wettfreunde, the Italian Sky Sports journalist revealed that the Gunners are one of the clubs that "are following" the talented Frenchman, with the 22-year-old said to be keen on a Premier League move.

Previous reports have credited Mikel Arteta's side with an interest in the former Bordeaux man, although they may face stiff competition from both Manchester United and Chelsea in the race for his signature.

In full, he said: "A lot of clubs in the Premier League are following him. Arsenal, Manchester United to name just two. He would like to play in the Premier League. He has stayed at Monaco for another year to await a chance to play in the Premier League. I think that will be the summer when he changes."

Supporters will be buzzing

The north London outfit are currently flying high with a Champions League spot well within their grasp, although one position that remains an area of concern is central midfield, with Arteta currently down to the bare bones with regards to potential options.

Summer signing Albert Sambi Lokonga is yet to truly establish himself in the side, while former Atletico Madrid powerhouse Thomas Partey has been plagued by injuries since his £45m switch two years ago, with the Ghanian facing a race against time to feature again this season.

That has left both Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny as the club's senior midfield options, although the latter faces an uncertain future with just a month or so left on his existing deal, despite having been the subject of praise from pundit Owen Hargreaves.

A new addition is then of paramount importance this summer, with Tchouameni seemingly the perfect fit as the defensive presence in an attack-minded side.

Not only does he fit with the club's youthful transfer policy of late - with the Emirates outfit signing six players under the age of 23 last summer - but he also offers genuine quality, having been tipped to become a "complete midfielder" by teammate and former Gunner Cesc Fabregas.

The Spaniard knows what it takes to star in an Arsenal side, with his club colleague showing all the signs that he can be the man to pull the strings in midfield for years to come. However, his physical qualities are also symbolic of a certain Patrick Vieira, someone the north Londoners have been trying to replace for over a decade now.

The Monaco man has enjoyed another fine campaign for club and country, having made 2.8 tackles and 2.5 interceptions per game in his 32 Ligue 1 outings so far this season, while he's also won an impressive 64% of his total duels.

Equally, he also ranks in the top 17% for progressive passes made and in the top 13% for total shots among players in his position in Europe's top five leagues, showcasing he is much more than just a midfield destroyer.

Dubbed a "monster" by France U21 boss Sylvain Ripoll for his athletic ability, the £36m-rated ace is the type of player that the Gunners are simply crying out for at present, with a marquee midfield addition needed to help them kick on again next year.

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