Arsenal are leading the race to sign Real Betis attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir, according to Tuttomercatoweb.com.

The Italian website reports that the Gunners are big admirers of the Frenchman, stating that manager Mikel Arteta “thinks precisely” about bringing the 27-year-old to the Emirates in the summer.

Fekir has had a decent season for Betis, having scored three goals and provided six assists in 30 appearances but his figures are definitely nothing to write home about.

Reports in Spain have suggested that the likes of Inter Milan, Rennes and Liverpool could also be interested in the playmaker. Jurgen Klopp’s side were very close to signing the player back in 2018, only to pull out of the £53m transfer. However, it is believed the Reds are not currently looking to sign Fekir with TMW stating that any interest was limited to the player being scouted.

In terms of Arsenal’s own pursuit, it’s likely the Betis star is being eyed as a possible alternative to Martin Odegaard if the Gunners can’t persuade Real Madrid into letting the Norwegian move to the Emirates on a permanent basis.