Manchester City are set to battle Arsenal for the signature of Lyon’s 21 year old midfielder Nabil Fekir, according to the Daily Express.

The Manchester club sent scouts to watch Lyon last night in the French Cup, when they beat RC Lens, and while they focussed on striker Alexandre Lacazette, who they hope will fix their striking crisis, they also cast their eyes on the talented young midfielder.

While Lacazette is an obvious target as Ligue 1’s top scorer, Fekir is slightly less well known.

He has been exceptional thus far this season, however, and has already attracted attention from Arsenal this campaign.

However, they could face competition from Man City, who are planning to raid the French side for Fekir.

City will likely have to wait until the summer to snap up the highly rated midfielder, however, as Lyon’s president has previously denied having any interest in seeing key players depart in January.

Jean-Michel Aulas said: “We will ensure there are no departures and I’m are certain that that will be the case.

“The expected quick returns from injury of Yoann Gourcuff, Clement Grenier and Gueida Fofana will mean the transfer window will be internal at this club.”