Arsenal are considering a bid for highly-rated Norwegian defensive midfielder Sander Berge, who plays for Genk in the Belgian League.
Gunners scouts have been watching the 19-year-old for months and have built a rapport with his camp.
Now they hope to beat Sevilla, Monaco and Everton - who tried to sign the youngster last season - to his signature.
Berge is expected to cost around £18m, which will not be an issue for Arsenal.
The defensive midfielder could provide a solution to Arsene Wenger's long-standing blind and upgrade on Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny.
It would also free up Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey as Wenger searches for solutions to a poor season capped off with FA Cup glory.