Arsenal have their eyes on 20-year-old River Plate midfielder Exequiel Palacios after his move to Real Madrid fell through, according to reports in Argentina.

Velez Sarsfield v River Plate Superliga 201819 1558512059
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – FEBRUARY 03: Exequiel Palacios, of River Plate, drives the ball during a match between Velez Sarsfield and River Plate as part of Superliga 2018/19 at Jose Amalfitani Stadium on February 3, 2019, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Amilcar Orfali/Getty Images)

Argentine outlet Closs Continental reports that Arsenal are interested in Palacios for a summer move. Originally, reports suggested Real Madrid had agreed on a £20m deal for the player last year, but Zinedine Zidane pulled the plug on the move. Now, Palacios available for a release clause of £18m.

The River Plate star’s agent told the media over the weekend: “I think Exequiel is leaving in June, there are clubs in England and Germany asking for him.”

Of course, Arsenal are on the search for a midfielder, given the imminent departure of Aaron Ramsey. Palacios is a solid all-around midfielder, proving a good passer but also a strong tackler who makes plenty of interceptions. He managed one goal and four assists in 18 games before fracturing his fibula in February and missing the rest of the season.

Palacios’ club form has already been recognised by his country, as he received a call up last September and provided an assist in a 3-0 win. He has two years left on his current deal with River Plate.