Arsenal have reportedly identified Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare as a potential January signing.

Having established himself as one of the top young players in French football, Soumare has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are said to be keen on the 20-year-old, while Wolverhampton Wanderers have allegedly made a big-money approach for the prospect.

However, Sky Sports News claims that Arsenal want to edge out their English rivals in the race to sign the France Under-21 international.

While Soumare is likely to leave either in January or in the summer, Lille are unlikely to contemplate a sale unless they receive a bid of at least £40m.

Soumare has made 23 appearances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League this season.