Arsenal preparing to launch £20m bid for ‘next N’Golo Kante’

Arsenal are preparing to rival Leicester City and Sevilla in the race for Brest midfielder Ibrahima Diallo, who has been billed as ‘the next N’Golo Kante’.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season in Ligue 1, attracting interest from top clubs across Europe.

The French outfit turned down a £16 million bid from the Foxes in January, but boss Brendan Rodgers has retained his interest in the youngster.

According to the Daily Star, Arsenal and Sevilla have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Diallo for £20m in the next transfer window.

The Gunners are weighing up a potential bid for the defensive midfielder, who has represented France at youth level.

The north London side have sent scouts to watch Diallo on multiple occasions this season as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his options in midfield. The report states that the promising Frenchman would be interested in a move to the Emirates Stadium.

read also:Lampard admits Chelsea missed Kante this season

Arteta also faces a battle to keep hold of his top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has been strongly linked with a move away from the club in the summer.