ARSENAL are looking to boost their midfield as they chase the signature of Orel Mangala from German side Stuttgart, according to reports.
According to German publication HLN, Unai Emery is looking to add to his faltering side with the acquisition of the 21-year-old. Although the German side will be looking for around £26m for the Belgian Under-21 international.
Mangala has made 13 appearances in all competitions for Stuttgart, who are third in Bundesliga 2 after being relegated last season.
It is being reported that Emery’s side will have to fight off the likes of Lyon, Marseille, Lille and Roma to secure a deal.
The Gunners appear to be keen to add to their midfield after the fallout between former club captain Granit Xhaka and the fans.
It has left the Swiss midfielder’s Arsenal future in doubt and he has been linked with a move to Newcastle United.
Dani Ceballos will see his loan deal end in the summer and with Mesut Özil proving to be unpopular with Emery, Arsenal will need to add to the struggling squad.
After the incident with Xhaka, the Arsenal support will be hoping for the club to be busy in the January transfer window.
It’s a big step up from the German second division, so spending £26m on the youngster may concern a fan base already frustrated with club.
Arsenal, who are currently sixth in the league, haven’t won any of their last five matches in all competitions and there is increasing pressure on manager Unai Emery.
