Arsenal had scouts in attendance to watch Rennes midfielder Lovro Majer in action for Croatia on Thursday night, according to The Mirror.

It was reported earlier this week that the midfielder is on the Gunners’ radar and it appears the interest is genuine.

The Mirror claim that Croatia’s game against Denmark was the second time that representatives from Arsenal have been sent to watch Majer.

It is believed that the 24-year-old is being lined up as a potential “long term successor” to Granit Xhaka, who will soon turn 30.

Rennes are not expected to sell Majer on the cheap, though. The Ligue One side only signed him from Dinamo Zagreb for £10m last summer, and they will hold out for at least €50m (£44m) if the Gunners make an approach in a future transfer window.

The Croatian international is also thought to be a target for the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan.