Nabil Fekir and his father, Mohamed, have flatly denied reports that he has agreed a transfer to Liverpool this summer.

4Mario Lemina

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Mario Lemina of Southampton scores during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Southampton at The Hawthorns on February 3, 2018 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images)
Mario Lemina (Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images)
  • Age: 24
  • Current club: Southampton
  • Contract until: 2022
  • Market value: £13.5m

Arsenal followed Lemina before his move to Southampton last summer, and the midfielder said at the time that he was “flattered” by their interest. According to L’Equipe, the club still haven’t “dropped the case”.

The 24-year-old excels at tackling and winning aerial duels. He’s also strong in possession, with 88% pass accuracy for the season (89.8% last season), and he isn’t easy to knock off the ball.

Plus, he has the advantage of having played in the Premier League for a year, so he’ll need less time to adapt.

Another thing that could help Arsenal’s pursuit is if Southampton end up getting relegated, but that doesn’t look like happening anymore. Still, the fact they came so close could convince him to try and force a move away.