Arsenal Target Latest Le Havre Prospect - Report

Arsenal are plotting a move for the latest youngster to emerge from the famed Le Havre youth academy in Benjamin Mendy.

The 18-year-old was linked with a move to Arsenal prior to signing his first professional deal with the Ligue 2 club in 2011, but Arsene Wenger has reignited his interest in the full back as a number of Premier League rivals weigh up a move for the prospect, the Daily Mail report.

Sunderland and Cardiff City have also been credited with interest in the French teenager who would appear to have a preference for Premier League football, after Le Havre president Jean Pierre Louvel admitted the club are in talks with English clubs.

"We are taking to clubs and the talks with English teams are going better than others," Louvel told RMC, Sky Sports report.

"He is most likely going to go and play in England."

The north western French club have been credited with the development of a number of young players who have opted for moves to bigger European clubs early on in their careers.

The likes of Lassana Diarra, Charles N'Zogbia, Gael Kakuta and Paul Pogba have all left the French club in controversial circumstances over the past decade to join Premier League sides, with current prospect El-Hadji Ba also on the cusp of leaving the club with French reports suggesting he has signed a deal with Paolo Di Canio's Sunderland.

Mendy would appear to be determined to follow in their footsteps and ply his trade in England next season.

"I have also dreamt of playing in England so I am happy to be linked with English clubs," Mendy said.

"I know it is a big step to go there straight away, but if you want to progress in Europe you need to play at the top level."

While Arsenal boss Wenger will be hopeful of securing the services of left back Mendy, the club may face competition from Serie A champions Juventus, Italian reports suggest.