Wenger Ready To Dip Into French Market For £10m Midfielder – Report

Arsene Wenger is scouting Lyon midfield star Maxime Gonalons, according to reports in England, with the Frenchman impressing for the Ligue 1 outfit.

Arsenal are believed to be in possession of a much larger transfer kitty than in recent seasons, with the club reportedly boasting around £70 million to spend on new players this summer.

And the cash injection couldn't come at a better time, as Wenger approaches the end of an eighth season without a trophy.

A man who isn't a stranger to the French transfer market, Wenger has been following Gonalons for some time, and the Daily Mail claims his scouts will travel to watch Lyon play Nancy at the weekend to once again run the rule over the 24-year-old.

He would cost the Gunners around £10 million, which would be one of Wenger's more expensive signings in the manager's time at the club, but with international experience for France to his name as well as a successful four seasons at Lyon, the star could present a viable alternative to Francis Coquelin in the middle of the park.

One of the main criticisms of Arsenal's squad this season has been a lack of depth in the side, as they have once again fallen into a fight with Tottenham and Chelsea for a top four spot.

While the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City can boast big stars on the bench as well as on the pitch, Wenger has often been left longing when injuries deplete his starting eleven.

Purchases across the board would no doubt take Arsenal from top four finishers to title challengers, with a new goalkeeper and more firepower believed to be on Wenger's list of possible transfers this summer.

In 38 appearances for Lyon this season, Gonalons has scored four times, making a positive contribution to the side's third place in the Ligue 1 table. The French club will have the chance to play Champions League football next season, so a move to Arsenal could come down to whether the north London side can offer him the same European experience.