Arsenal are now very interested in signing a Champions League attacker, who has been given the nickname "Mesut Özil" by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Gunners eyeing new additions in attack
The January transfer window is now just over one week away, and the Gunners are clearly keen on strengthening their options in attack, with it recently being revealed they have made contact over a deal for AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.
Mikel Arteta is said to be a huge fan of the Ghanaian, but the race is packed, with Tottenham Hotspur also keen, alongside Manchester United and Manchester City, with the latter two clubs in pole position to secure his signature.
In truth, Arteta may not need to splash the cash on a top forward in the upcoming window, given the breadth of options he already has available, including Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze.
Merino-Arsenal-Eze
However, it could make more sense to bring in an up-and-coming talent, who would perhaps be more content with receiving less game time, and the north Londoners have now set their sights on a new target.
According to a report from Foot Mercato, Arsenal are now very interested in signing Marseille attacker Darryl Bakola, but there could be competition for his signature from their Premier League rivals, with Newcastle United and Chelsea keen.
Bundesliga sides Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund are also named as potential suitors for the attacker, while Marseille are determined to keep hold of him, having recently submitted a concrete new contract offer.
However, with the French club hesitant to lose the youngster on a free, they could be willing to listen to bids.
January is set to be a 'decisive month' for Bakola, as there is no shortage of interest in his services, and there are indications he could be an exciting long-term addition to Arteta's squad...
Bakola impressing in the Champions League
The 18-year-old has started to make regular cameo appearances for Marseille as a substitute this season, featuring seven times in Ligue 1, but perhaps his best performance came in the Champions League.
Indeed, the attacking midfielder was impressive on his debut in Europe's elite competition, registering an assist against Newcastle United at the end of November, while also winning all three of the ground duels he contested.
Atalanta's Kamaldeen Sulemana celebrates scoring their first goal with Honest Ahanor Related
Arsenal now racing Real Madrid & Bayern Munich for £52m Champions League player
There's fierce competition for his signature...
After the game, in a joint interview with former Arsenal striker Aubameyang, the Gabonese striker said: "You should ask him what his nickname is, because I said he was going to make an assist."
The Marseille starlet replied: "Mesut, Mesut Özil. Yesterday (Monday), before training, he nicknamed me that. I took it, and it worked. We’re happy."
However, it is still early days for Bakola, who is yet to prove himself over a sustained period of time, and Arsenal should continue to monitor him further before making a concrete approach.