ARSENAL are ‘doing everything’ to sign Eduardo Camavinga from Rennes this summer, according to reports.
The three-cap France midfielder, 18, is one of the hottest properties in Europe.
Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are just three European giants also keen on the midfielder.
But Arsenal are hoping to lure him to the Emirates in a deal that could cost in excess of £50million this summer.
Le10 Sport claim Mikel Arteta and Co have made Camavinga their No1 priority this summer.
The Gunners have endured a nightmare campaign with their misery compounded last week after crashing out of the Europa League to Unai Emery’s Villarreal.
And they hope Camavinga’s presence in midfield could make all the difference next season.
Arsenal are unlikely to be able to offer European football in 2021-22, currently way down in ninth in the Premier League.
However, the North Londoners hope to hold an advantage over their European rivals with Camavinga’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, having ties to the English top-flight.
As well as representing Tottenham’s on-loan star Gareth Bale, Barnett also looks after the likes of Ben Chilwell, Mason Mount and Jack Grealish.
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And Barnett recently admitted Camavinga is ready to play in the tough English top-flight, if he decides to do so.
The agent told The Athletic: “Camavinga can play next year in the Premier League. He is that good.
“Whether he will or not, I don’t know.
“His background has been tough if you know what he went through as a refugee and the burning of his home (in Rennes).
“But his character is amazingly strong. He is not your average 18-year-old.
“Playing in front of 100,000 people is not going to scare him.
“He’s a lovely boy and I think he’s going to be a superstar.”
Real Madrid were believed to be in pole position to sign Camavinga.
However, they have prioritised a new striker, with Kylian Mbappe a summer target.
Los Blancos are also in hot pursuit of Erling Haaland, but could wait until 2022 when his £63m release clause kicks in, with money tight due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Arsenal may well now in the lead in the hunt for Camavinga – but only if they’re prepared to pay top dollar.
Rennes are expected to hold out for at least £45m, but that fee could easily skyrocket above £50m.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
