Arsenal Midfielder Target Open to Summer Move

Lyon midfielder and Arsenal target Maxime Gonalons has admitted he is open to a move away from the Ligue 1 outfit next summer.

The France international was heavily linked with a switch to the Gunners last summer, as Arsene Wenger looked to land a long-term replacement for Alex Song. However, Lyon refused to sell their star asset and Arsenal eventually snapped up free agent Mathieu Flamini.

It is understood that the north London outfit is still keeping tabs on Gonalons, while Serie A side Napoli have made no secret of their interest in the 24-year-old and has - of  late - emerged slight favourites in the race for the midfielder.

Gonalons has continued his good form for Lyon this season as well, though the club has once again struggled to get off to a good start in Ligue 1. The anchorman said he is flattered by the interest from big clubs like Napoli and hinted a summer transfer away from Lyon is possible.

"In football, we do not know what can happen, everything can go very fast. Today, I am fully focused on my club, earning points and moving up the table. After that, we'll see," Gonalons pointed out.

"I think I'll finish the season with Lyon. I've known about (Napoli's) interest for a while. I know they follow me. It is always flattering to know that big European clubs are following me," the player added.

Gonalons' agent Frederic Guerra had recently stated the player could leave Lyon in the near future and Napoli are keen on him, with manager Rafa Benitez being a long-time admirer of the midfielder.

"Interest of Napoli? This summer I met [Napoli sporting director] Riccardo Bigon a couple of times to talk about Gonalons but then nothing more. The transfer of Gonalons to the blue shirt of Napoli is possible. Benitez already wanted Gonalons during his time as coach of Liverpool," Guerra said.

Gonalons has six senior international caps for France, since making his Les Bleus debut in 2011.