Report: Arsenal primed to beat nine other clubs to speedy forward

Arsenal target Alexis Claude-Maurice is a man in demand this summer. According to Sky Sports News, 10 clubs are in the hunt for Claude-Maurice but the forward favours a move to Arsenal.

Claude-Maurice currently plays for Lorient in Ligue 2. But he is set for a summer move with a host of European clubs chasing his signature.

Arsenal are not the only Premier League team after Claude-Maurice. Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United and West Ham United also want him.

This Premier League quartet will compete with Ligue 1 trio Lille, Lyon and Monaco. Spanish side Sevilla also want Claude-Maurice, along with German pair Borussia Monchengladbach and Red Bull Leipzig.

(Photo by Andreas Schlichter/Bongarts/Getty Images)

But Arsenal appear to be in prime position. Claude-Maurice would rather move to The Emirates Stadium ahead of his other nine options.

The France youth international scored 14 goals last season, operating as a winger or as a striker. He is set for summer exit with Arsenal well-positioned to win this race.

TBR’s view

Claude-Maurice is one of the most promising young players coming through in France. The 21-year-old is still a raw talent but he could take his career to the next level with Arsenal.

This summer decision is career-defining for Claude-Maurice. He knows that he might get less playing time at Arsenal (with Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on their books) but he will get European football and he will have high aspirations.