Arsenal have seemingly moved ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

The Blues secured a season-long loan deal for Kovacic last summer, and Maurizio Sarri is likely to be keen on securing the Croatia international's signature on a permanent basis should he remain at Stamford Bridge.

However, according to Ladbrokes, Arsenal are the favourites to push through a deal for Kovacic before the start of next season.

Chelsea are currently facing the prospect of being banned from completing signings for the next two transfer windows, while Arsenal want to find a replacement for the outgoing Aaron Ramsey.

Kovacic still has just over two years remaining on his contract at Real, but the return of Zinedine Zidane is likely to lead to the Spanish giants looking to cash in on the player.