Mainz are preparing to offload defensive midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin at the end of the season, according to Calciomercato.com.

The 23-year-old was linked with a move to Arsenal last month, and the Italian website report that Mainz will hold out for €40m (£34m).

Reports in the English press had indicated a figure of £40m, but with the German club setting prices in euros, the £34m figure is more likely to be accurate.

Whether the Gunners would actually make a move for Gbamin, it remains doubtful. The London club already have an assortment of holding midfield players in Matteo Guendouzi, Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira.

Considering the limited transfer budget, and more pressing issues in other areas of the pitch, signing the Ivorian international for such a sizeable price does appear unlikely.

Whether Gbamin is seen as such an outstanding talent that Arsenal’s recruitment team feel he is a must-buy regardless of other priorities, we shall have to wait and see.