Arsenal are reportedly set to rival Manchester United in the race for Monaco left-back Layvin Kurzawa.
The 22-year-old broke into the Ligue 1 outfit's first team last season, notching up five goals and three assists in 28 appearances. The France international has been a regular starter in the club's lineup this year as well, impressing with both his domestic and Champions League performances.
Arsenal and United maintain an interest in Kurzawa and, according to Le10Sport, the Gunners are now determined to pip the Red Devils to the youngster's signature.
Both clubs are in the market for defenders. With Nacho Monreal now being used as the backup centre-back, Arsene Wenger are on the lookout for another player to provide cover and competition to Kieran Gibbs for the left-back role, and have been linked to Ipswich Town's Tyrone Mings as well.
United, on the other hand, have Luke Shaw - who was landed in a big-money deal in the summer - but now require another specialised player for the left wing-back role, with the Southampton product struggling with injury and fitness issues. Winger Ashley Young has been asked to step in on several occasions this season but Louis van Gaal is now looking at his options.
The report claims Gilles Grimandi, who is Arsenal's chief scout in France, was recently spotted at a match featuring Monaco, and understood to be having a close look at Kurzawa, who is around £12m.
The youngster already made two appearances for the France national team, and has been earmarked as a player who has a good future with the Les Bleus.
The departures of James Rodriguez to Real Madrid and Radamel Falcao to United in the summer show that Monaco are open to selling their best players, if suitors are ready to match the club's asking price.
