Liverpool and Everton Join Arsenal in Race for Ligue 1 Star Salomon Kalou

Liverpool and Everton are set to battle it out with Arsenal for Ligue 1star Salomon Kalou, who currently plies his trade at French club Lille.

According to the Express, the Gunners are still keen to bring in Kalou as a back option, since they have already unveiled Alexis Sanchez as their marquee forward signing. The north London club have been linked to the Ivory Coast star since the January transfer window, when they tried and failed to complete a loan deal for the striker.

However, it now looks like Arsenal will have a battle on their hands as Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton have entered the race to capture the former Chelsea forward's services.

The Anfield club is going on the offensive since the departure of Luis Suarez and manager Brendan Rodgers is looking to add depth to the forward line. Liverpool unveiled winger Lazar Markovic on Tuesday and are now keen to land Kalou as well.

Meanwhile, Everton boss Roberto Martinez is also on the hunt for a forward to cover the loss of Gerard Deulofeu, who has returned to Barcelona following the end of his one-year loan spell at Goodison Park. The Toffees could have the edge over their rivals as they are offering a one-year loan deal with an option of making it permanent the following season.

The 28-year-old forward, who spent six years in Chelsea before leaving for Ligue 1 club Lille, has enjoyed a successful spell in France so far. He had an impressive 2013-14 season, where he scored 16 goals and provided six assists in 38 league games.

The Ivorian is a key member of his national team that travelled to the World Cup in Brazil, but was knocked out in the opening stages of the tournament.