Arsenal make enquiry about Ligue 1 defender wanted by London rival
Arsenal have joined Crystal Palace in the race for Marseille left-back Jordan Amavi, according to reports in France.
Amavi suffered relegation with Aston Villa in his only previous season in the Premier League, but after earning a move to Marseille following a year in the Championship, he has got his career back on track.
The left-back has been a regular in his three full seasons at Marseille so far and has started nine games in Ligue 1 and five in the Champions League so far this season.
However, he is out of contract at the end of the season, and at 26 years old, would be an option worth considering for a number of sides.
According to L’Equipe, Amavi is attracting interest from Crystal Palace. They are said to be “especially” keen on the former France under-21 international.
The French outlet claims that Arsenal have also made an enquiry. There is no offer from the Gunners yet, though.
Sead Kolasinac left for Schalke earlier this month, leaving Arsenal in search of a new left-back to provide competition for Kieran Tierney. It seems Amavi has formed part of their thinking.
If they do not firm up their interest, though, it could prompt a move to a different London side, with Palace still chasing Amavi.
The report adds that they face competition from Napoli, who want to take him to Italy.
One option that is off the cards, though, is staying at Marseille. Discussions over a contract extension have stalled and the French club have accepted he will leave.
Amavi is free to begin negotiations with clubs outside France this month. He could sign a pre-contract agreement ahead of a free transfer in the summer.
Alternatively, there is still a chance that Marseille could receive some money for him, if a club comes forward with a cut-price offer this month.
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Palace defender also on Arsenal radar
Coincidentally, Arsenal have also been linked with a move for a defender who is currently at Palace.
Tyrick Mitchell is the man in question, as the left-back continues to establish himself at senior level. The 21-year-old has started 10 Premier League games this season.
It had been thought that he was out of contract at the end of the season, but the Standard deny that is the case. That means Arsenal may have to pay more than they had planned if they want to sign him.
Perhaps Palace’s links with Amavi are a sign that they are preparing for Mitchell’s departure, though.
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