Arsenal linked to Iranian Messi, reignite interest in Alavaro Morata

Arsenal, who faded some time ago in the title race, are chasing more firepower for next season, and it is Rubin Kazan’s Sardar Azmoun that is on Arsene Wenger’s radar.

Azmoun, who joined Russian top-flight team Rubin from Iranian outfit Sepahan last January, is thought to be the subject of much attention, with Serie A side AC Milan also interested.

The Gunners are 4/9 odds-on favourites to win the FA Cup this season, and have been the subject of criticism with an apparent lack of options in attack.

This has prompted Wenger to scour the market once again, and is reportedly keen on the 19-year-old, who has similar attributes to Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

Speaking to Russian media, the youngster said: “There already are solid offers coming from both Arsenal and AC Milan.

“Both their representatives are about to meet Rubin Kazan management next Thursday.

“I’m really happy for such clubs being interested in signing me, and playing in [the] Premier League would be a dream come true.

“But now I’m just focused on the remaining part of Russian championship.”

North London side Arsenal could also have been given fresh hope in their pursuit of Real Madrid hotshot Alvaro Morata.

Carlo Ancelotti’s club are in a three-way fight with cross-capital neighbours Atletico Madrid and El Clasico rivals Barcelona at the top of La Liga, and are 5/2 to win the title.

Real were initially reluctant to let Morata leave in January, with Italian coach Ancelotti keen on having a back-up option to Karim Benzema to lead his line.

Madrid now appear prepared to do business with the Gunners over Morata in the summer for a fee of £8 million.

Reports in Spain indicate they will insist on a buy-back price being negotiated into the deal, however, so Real have the option to purchase him back in two years’ time.