Arsenal are still interested in signing Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare, according to Soccer Link. The French website claims the 21-year-old is an option with the Gunners “eagerly seeking” another defensive midfielder ahead of next season.

Atletico Madrid star Thomas Partey has been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates in recent days, following comments from the player’s father that the London club are in negotiations to sign the Ghanaian.

However, the agency that represents Partey has since refuted those claims, and if Arsenal do have to switch targets, it appears Soumare is very much on their radar.

They will, however, face competition for the France Under 21 international, with the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid said to be keeping close tabs on the player.

Soumare was originally mentioned as a £50m target back in January, with manager Mikel Arteta having decided very early on in his reign that he needs to add steel and dynamism to the Gunners’ midfield.