Report: Arsenal remain interested in Lille’s on-fire midfielder Yusuf Yazici

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The Daily Mail have claimed that Arsenal remain interested in Lille’s in-form attacking midfielder Yusuf Yazici after previously being linked with the Turkish star in recent years – but they face plenty of competition.

Yazici, 23, is in stunning form for Ligue 1 side Lille this season. Last term, following his move from Trabzonspor, Yazici netted just one goal in 26 appearances but this time around – it is a complete different story.

In just 12 games, the 25-time Turkey international has scored seven goals from midfield. That includes two Europa League hat-tricks, the first in a 4-1 win over Sparta Prague and the second in a stunning 3-0 win over AC Milan.

The report states that Arsenal have been admirers for some time and remain keen on the playmaker – but could face competition from Manchester United, who are said to have scouted Yazici before his Lille move last year.

As per the Mail, one of Yazici’s representatives – Ahmet Cebeci – claimed that Arsene Wenger even went to watch Yazici at Trabzonspor: “There is interest from the Premier League, Arsene Wenger watched Yusuf in person.”

TBR’s view – Arsenal need a goalscoring midfielder

Their main aim is expected to be Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, who showed last season that he is one of the top attacking midfielders in Europe – shining in the Champions League against  Juventus and Manchester City.

But Aouar is expected to cost the best part of £50million and if the Gunners choose not to spend big on the France international – especially given the fee they paid to sign Thomas Partey – then Yazici could be the ideal back-up.

Likely to cost a decent fee but not in the same region of Aouar, he could be ideal for the Gunners.