According to talkSPORT, Arsenal could face a battle with Manchester United for the summer signing of Lyon defensive midfielder Maxime Gonalons, who has been close to leaving the club for Italy in the past.

Arsenal have struggled to find a suitable defensive minded midfielder after Patrick Vieira, and Arsene Wenger hoped to install Abou Diaby in that position. However, Diaby has struggled with fitness troubles throughout his spell at the club, and that has left the spot vacant in the side. Mikel Arteta has been placed many a time as the makeshift defensive midfielder, but the Spaniard has not been able to physically handle the demanding position. Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Arteta are similar players in terms of physical build, which means Wenger has to make do with a player who is not a natural defensive midfielder.

Gonalons began his career with Lyon in 1999 as a youth player, and developed his play for a decade before he was offered a professional contract. In 2009, the player made his senior debut for the club, and has spent his entire career with the French side. The 25-year old has made 137 league appearances for the club, scoring 5 goals in the process.