Arsenal are interested in Espanyol defender Mario Hermoso, according to reports in Spain.

Alex Perez of Radio Marca Barcelona reports that Hermoso’s name is sounding strongly in London, with Arsenal one of the teams interested in the centre-back.

Hermoso has had a strong season with Espanyol, making 35 appearances, and the La Liga side want to hold onto the defender. It’s not entirely up to them though, as Real Madrid have a €7m buy-back clause in his contract.

Given the 23-year-old is currently valued at around €20m, Real Madrid could be open to repurchasing him just to sell him on again, making a quick €13m profit. Hermoso also only has a year left on his deal with Espanyol.

Spanish outlet Sport also previously reported Arsenal’s interest in Hermoso, but they added that Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also involved in the race for his signature.

Whilst multiple clubs fight to see the defender line up for them next season, Hermoso has been taking advantage of his enhanced reputation to earn starts for the Spanish national team. He played 90 minutes of their recent win over the Faroe Islands.