Arsenal step up interest in Maxime Gonalons after Napoli lodge bid?

Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their interest in Lyon midfielder Maxime Gonalons after Napoli lodged a bid of £10m for the tough-tackling Frenchman.

The Gunners passed up the chance to bring Cesc Fabregas back to the Emirates this summer, with Arsene Wenger looking for a player with a bit more steel in the middle of the park.

The Londoners also hold an interest in Juventus's Arturo Vidal, according to The Express, but would prefer to bring in a younger player, with 25-year-old Gonalons fitting the bill.

They may have to act fast, however, with Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb claiming that Napoli boss Rafael Benitez has made an offer as he looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the coming season.

Gonalons has made 143 appearances for Lyon since making his professional debut in 2009.