Lens will not sell midfielder Seko Fofana before the transfer window closes unless they receive an offer in excess of €30m (£25.8m), according to reports in the French media.

It is believed that Arsenal are seriously considering a move for the Ivorian international as they look to strengthen their options in the middle of the park.

A hamstring injury suffered by Mohamed Elneny has forced the Gunners to change their transfer plans but the big issue they are facing is that teams, such as Lens, are unwilling to sell their players so close to deadline day as they might not be able to find a replacement.

Fofana was linked with a switch to the Emirates earlier in the summer, and he was handed the Ligue One’s Best African Player award last season, so it wouldn’t be a panic buy if Arsenal do make a formal approach. Time is, however, running out to get a deal over the line.