Arsenal have now made an approach to sign a "fantastic" Premier League attacker, who has been in red-hot form recently.
Gunners eyeing new attacker ahead of Liverpool clash
The Gunners will have the opportunity to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table tonight, with Mikel Arteta's side set to host reigning champions Liverpool, following both Manchester City and Aston Villa dropping points on Wednesday.
Man City were held to a 1-1 draw against Brighton at the Etihad Stadium, while Villa played out a stalemate against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, presenting Arteta's side with a golden opportunity to put some considerable distance between themselves and the chasing pack.
Considering the north Londoners have a comfortable lead at the summit of the table, the squad probably doesn't require any major surgery, but Arteta has made it clear he is actively looking at potential new signings.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal have now entered the race for a versatile attacker, namely Wolverhampton Wanderers ace Mateus Mane, who is capable of playing at centre-forward, on the right wing, and in central midfield.
Mateus Mane of Wolverhampton Wanderers is fouled by Jake O'Brien
Over half the Premier League are interested in signing the 18-year-old, who has enjoyed a real breakout season at Wolves, with Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and the Gunners approaching his agents to express their interest.
At the moment, Wolves have no desire to cash-in on the youngster, and he is happy at Molineux, but that could change if the Old Gold are relegated, which looks very likely, considering they are 14 points from safety, having won just one game all season.
With the teenager tied down on a contract until 2029, his current employers are in a strong negotiating position, and they are unwilling to sanction a departure until the summer at the earliest.
"Fantastic" Mane has been in red-hot form
Mane bursting onto the scene has been one of the only positives for Wolves this season, and he has been in particularly impressive form in recent weeks, scoring in the 3-0 victory against West Ham United and the 1-1 draw against Everton last time out.
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The incredible game-changer would be an unreal signing for Arsenal, but bad news for Martinelli.
That is despite featuring in a central midfield role, with the Barreiro-born ace putting in a top display against the Hammers, winning a penalty and making a number of important contributions in both defence and attack.
Mateus Mane's key stats vs West Ham Number completed
Clearances 2
Tackles 4
Shots on target 2
Ground duels (won) 9 (5)
Rob Edwards is clearly happy with the impact the seven-time England U18 international has made, lauding him as "fantastic", and it is no wonder so many top clubs have now started to come calling.
That said, the Wolves ace is yet to prove himself over a sustained period of time, so Arsenal should continue to monitor his performances, ahead of potentially making a swoop in the summer.