Arsenal manager Unai Emery is keen on signing Monaco defensive midfielder Youssef Ait Bennasser, according to reports in Italy.

The Gunners boss has been tracking the Moroccan international since his time at Sevilla, and the London club are said to be leading the race for the 22-year-old.

Milan are also interested in Bennasser with both clubs hopeful of recruiting the player. The 22-year-old is believed to be valued at €10m (£9m) by his club.

However, Emery has already stated that Arsenal can only sign players on loan this month, and it seems they could be exploring a loan deal with an option to sign the player on a permanent basis at the end of the season.

The Gunners are reportedly looking at a similar type of deal for Barcelona’s Denis Suarez. The 25-year-old is said to be keen on moving to the Emirates but is waiting for Barca and Arsenal to come to an agreement over the terms of the transfer.