Arsenal and Liverpool are paying close attention to Marseille’s latest ‘wonderkid’ – Maxime Lopez – who has been dubbed the ‘new Samir Nasri’ although we’re sure he’s a much more likeable character than the former Gunner.

Lopez is still only 18 but has already made four Ligue 1 appearances for the French side this season, grabbing one assist in his 154 minutes of action.

A right-footed attacking midfielder, he can also play on the left or right and has clubs across Europe sitting up and paying attention.

The youngster is out of contract next summer despite being viewed as the brightest talent to be produced at the club since Nasri, and Wenger allegedly tried to sign him as a 16-year-old. The player decided to sign a professional deal with his hometown club.

Lopez made his first start at the weekend and impressed in Marseille’s 0-0 draw with Bordeaux.

He outpassed everyone else on the pitch with 110 touches and 97 passes (86.6% accuracy) while also playing 4 key passes, and put in 4 crosses.