Arsenal join Liverpool in race for Marseille striker André-Pierre Gignac

Liverpool and Arsenal are preparing a move for Marseille forward André-Pierre Gignac, according to Tuttosport.

Inter Milan have also entered the race for the 29-year-old and are likely to submit a bid imminently with only two days left in the transfer window. Liverpool are in the market for a striker to replace Mario Balotelli, who has struggled to make a mark this season and have earmarked Gignac as the perfect man to act as backup for the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling.

Sturridge, who is back after missing five months owing to multiple thigh injuries, scored a goal on his return to the first team against West Ham and Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that his team go from strength to strength and close in on a top four spot which is facing competition from five other clubs.

Rickie Lambert has also fallen out of favour with Rodgers and Gignac's arrival may be a sign that the player will be on his way this January or in the summer, depending on the needs of the manager.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have let out Yaya Sanogo, Joel Campbell and Lukas Podolski on loan this season and need a player to fill in the numbers. Gignac will give them a major presence up front which will help them unsettle robust defences.

The Frenchman has been in brilliant form this season, scoring 16 goals and assisting one thus far and will be a brilliant addition to any one of the Premier League teams, who are in for a struggle to qualify for the Champions League.

Liverpool are currently seventh on the table, leapfrogging West Ham in the table after their 2-0 win over the Hammers at Anfield and with the return of Sturridge, are confident of pulling off a late season charge like they did last season.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are also in the hunt and shall face Aston Villa on Sunday to keep the pressure on Manchester United and Southampton.