Arsenal favourites to sign Marc Roca?

Arsenal are at the head of the queue to sign Espanyol midfielder Marc Roca this summer, according to a report.

The 23-year-old has turned out 33 times in all competitions for La Liga's basement side this season, notching up two goals and three assists in the process.

Roca is widely expected to depart Espanyol at the end of the season, however, and according to La Razon, Arsenal are the favourites to secure his signature.

The report claims that Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is a long-term admirer of Roca, and Espanyol are aware that they need to generate funds from player sales with the threat of relegation looming.

The former Spain Under-21 international allegedly has a £35m release clause in his current contract, but Espanyol have taken the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic into account and may be willing to lower their asking price.

AC Milan and Everton have also been credited with an interest in Roca, who will see his current deal at Espanyol expire in 2022.

The White and Blue will return to action against Alaves on Saturday as La Liga resumes after a hiatus of nearly three months in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.