Algerian winger in talks with Arsenal

Arsenal have joined the race for Lyon’s Rachid Ghezzal, per French outlet Foot Mercato.

The 24-year-old Algerian will be a free agent at the end of this season and is understood to have already been the subject of interest from AC Milan, Everton, Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Monaco – who have reportedly held talks with his agent as well.

Lyon are understood to be determined to keep hold of Ghezzal, who had a breakthrough season with them last year. The French club has reportedly offered him a wage offer of up to £65,000-a-week – a huge increase on his current salary, which stands at £8,700-a-week. However, the contract talks aren’t just down to the wage demands, as club president Jean-Michel Aulas put it.

“The negotiation is very complicated. I do not imagine it will finish quickly.”