Lorient winger Alexis Claude-Maurice has made it known that he wants to join Arsenal, according to Soccerlink.
The French website reports the 21-year-old is also interesting West Ham, Borussia Monchengladbach, Lyon, Monaco and Lille but the Gunners would be the player’s preferred destination.
Unai Emery’s side will, however, have to up their initial bid for Claude-Maurice. They have reportedly only offered £8m (€9m) so far, while Lorient are holding out for £13m (€15m) plus bonuses.
In contrast, West Ham have offered €12m while Lyon are said to have had a €10m bid rejected for the pacey winger.
Claude-Maurice won’t hold out for a move to Arsenal, though, if the Gunners cannot match Lorient’s asking price. The Frenchman’s second preference would be Gladbach, who have already made contact with the player’s agent.
The Bundesliga side are believed to be close to an agreement on personal terms but have yet to put in a formal offer for the midfielder.