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Arsenal face competition from Lyon and Real Madrid in the hunt for Porto midfielder Hector Herrera, according to O Jogo via CalcioMercato.

What's the word?

Unai Emery's Arsenal are flying high after nine consecutive victories across all competitions prior to the international break but there is still plenty of work to do, particularly as the club prepare for a major departure in 2019.

Aaron Ramsey looks set to leave the Emirates Stadium after a breakdown in contract negotiations and Arsenal are in the hunt for a replacement, with Emery seemingly setting his sights on Porto's Mexico international Hector Herrera.

However, according to O Jogo via CalcioMercatoArsenal will face competition in the market for the 28-year-old from Real Madrid and Lyon who are both interested in a player who will become a free agent at the end of the season.

A deal worth pursuing?

Arsenal may well be in the hunt for a new midfielder as they prepare to lose Ramsey, potentially as early as January, but Herrera is not a signing who would adequately replace the Wales international for a number of reasons.

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Firstly, the Mexico ace is a different sort of player to Ramsey and would be more likely to compete with the likes of Lucas Torreira, Granit Xhaka and Matteo Guendouzi for a deeper role in Arsenal's midfield but perhaps the most important fact is that he is not a signing who would inspire the fans.

Ramsey has a cult-hero status at the Emirates Stadium after scoring two FA Cup final-winning goals for Arsenal in recent campaigns and a bigger name is needed to counter the blow that the Gunners will experience once the former Cardiff City man brings an end to his decade in North London.