Arsenal are keen on signing Fulham attacking midfielder Tom Cairney, according to reports in the English media.

The Gunners have reportedly been tracking the Scottish international for a number of months, but the cost of signing the player is proving a major stumbling block.

Without Champions League football, the London club have limited resources and it is believed that many key figures at the club don’t see the purchase of homegrown players like Cairney as representing value for money.

It means Arsenal may look abroad in their attempts to recruit a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsey this summer. The Welshman is expected to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season when his contract expires.

Reports today suggest that the Gunners are considering three names as possible alternative transfer targets. Porto’s Hector Herrera, Cagliari’s Nicolo Barella and Atlanta United’s Miguel Almiron are all reportedly on the club’s radar.