Arsenal are “closer” to signing Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria than the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City, according to FussballTransfers.com.

The German website reports that the Gunners are “in contact” with the representatives of the Swiss international, whose contract at Gladbach expires at the end of the season.

United and City have only had “loose contacts” with Zakaria’s entourage so far and, with the player dreaming of a move to the Premier League, it gives Arsenal a big advantage over other interested teams.

Fussball Transfers claim that Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund Juventus, Inter Milan and Roma are also keen but Mikel Arteta’s side appear to be the favourites for the 25-year-old’s signature currently.

However, it is believed that Zakaria’s switch to the Emirates may only happen if they qualify for Europe this campaign, so a deal is unlikely to be finalised any time soon. The player can officially speak to other clubs as soon as next month.