Arsenal are reportedly considering a surprise move for Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante.
The 31-year-old only has 12 months left to run on his existing contract with the Stamford Bridge club and has seen his future called into question in recent weeks.
Chelsea are at risk of losing the France international on a free transfer in the summer of 2023 but are not expected to prioritise a midfield signing this summer while Thomas Tuchel seeks attacking and defensive reinforcements.
Manchester United have been credited with an interest in Kante in recent weeks, but the Red Devils are still working on a move for Erik ten Hag's number one target Frenkie de Jong.
According to the Daily Star, Arsenal have now emerged as shock suitors for Kante's signature as Mikel Arteta turns his attention to new additions in the engine room.
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The Spaniard currently has Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga on the books but is still hopeful of adding more quality to the engine room before the new Premier League season kicks off.
The report adds that the Gunners are now ready to try to test Chelsea's resolve over Kante, but it remains to be seen if the Blues would sanction an exit in the current window.
The former Leicester City man has struggled to stay fit on a consistent basis in the past couple of years but still managed two goals and five assists from 42 outings in all competitions last season.
Kante started 21 matches in the Premier League amid competition from Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho and has taken his total for the club to 13 goals and 15 assists in 259 games.
The World Cup winner has collected titles in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Club World Cup, Europa League and UEFA Super Cup in the English capital after starring for Leicester in their 2015-16 top-flight title success.
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Kante could therefore become the next Chelsea man to make the move across London, following the likes of Lassana Diarra, David Luiz, Petr Cech and Willian.
Arsenal were expected to lose Mohamed Elneny on a free transfer in the summer, but the 29-year-old committed himself to a new one-year deal at the Emirates Stadium.
Lucas Torreira has returned from his loan spell at Fiorentina and is also under contract at Arsenal until 2023, but the Uruguay international claims that there is "no chance" of him staying in North London.
"There is no chance. From the beginning, they told me that I didn't have a place, so I don't want to stay either," Torreira told El Telegrafo. "We'll look for a new direction. Any team that wants me has to buy me, which would be around €15m (£12.9m."
However, the 26-year-old could be handed a lifeline to try to reignite his Arsenal career after being included in the Gunners' squad for their pre-season tour of the United States.
Ben Knapton
