Former Arsenal academy striker Stephy Mavididi could be set to return to England in January, amid links to three Premier League clubs.

MAJADAHONDA, SPAIN - JANUARY 27: Stephy Mavididi of Arsenal looks on after losing the UEFA Youth League match between Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal at Atletico de Madrid Sport City on January 27, 2015 in Majadahonda, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
MAJADAHONDA, SPAIN: Stephy Mavididi of Arsenal looks on after the UEFA Youth League match between Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal at Atletico de Madrid Sport City on January 27, 2015. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

The Daily Mail report that Newcastle United, Brighton and Hove Albion, and Crystal Palace are all looking to bolster their attacking options this month, and Stephy Mavididi is on their shortlists.

With homegrown status and nine goal contributions in 18 Ligue 1 games this season, the 23-year-old would reportedly cost around £15m to bring back to England.

Mavididi came through the Arsenal academy, but he’s since played for Juventus, Dijon, and (currently) Montpellier.

Funnily enough, Newcastle, Brighton, and Palace are exactly the same three teams linked with a move for Eddie Nketiah this month.

If you can’t sign one Arsenal academy product, there’s always another one out there somewhere.

The Mail point out that Stephy’s younger brother Shaun is already at Newcastle, which would probably help their case.

Montpellier's Stephy Mavididi (C) celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco vs Montpellier Herault SC at the "Louis II Stadium" in Monaco on October 18, 2020. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Montpellier’s Stephy Mavididi (C) celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco vs Montpellier Herault SC at the “Louis II Stadium” in Monaco on October 18, 2020. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

On the other hand, there are so many transfer links involving Newcastle United right now. It’s nearly impossible to know which ones are genuine.

They’ve also just signed Chris Wood from Burnley – going at least some way to addressing their problems up front.

Mavididi usually plays on the left nowadays, rather than as a central striker, so they wouldn’t necessarily fill the same squad spot. But it’s still a factor worth mentioning.

Brighton could always do with a goalscorer, given their record of creating chances without finishing them off. For now, Mavididi remains under contract with Montpellier until 2024.