Arsenal and Newcastle are both interested in signing Lens midfielder Seko Fofana, according to L’Equipe.

The Ivorian international has impressed in France since making the switch from Italy two years ago, and Lens are believed to be prepared to sell the player this summer for between €30m (£26m) and €40m (£34m).

With previous club Udinese set to receive 20% of the profits from the transfer, Lens have had to increase their asking price for Fofana as a result. Considering he is already 27 years of age, he would not have much sell-on value either, so the Gunners may think twice before matching his valuation.

In any case, it is believed that Fofana may well prefer to stay in France and, with Paris Saint-Germain also thought to be keeping tabs on the midfielder, it doesn’t look as though Arsenal are favourites to secure his signature at the moment.

Reports suggest that Mikel Arteta’s side have put their plans for recruiting a midfielder on the backburner anyway, with the current focus being on signing players like Gabriel Jesus and Raphinha.