Arsenal and Manchester United are investigating a move for Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel, with his desire to leave the Bundesliga side causing a flurry of activity that has also seen Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur declare their interest.
A significant issue that the Gunners must overcome is whether a loan with an option to buy is possible. Fewer clubs would be interested if it is just a loan without an option to buy.
Meanwhile, United would need to spin plates financially in order to make the move happen but they are one of Tel’s preferred options. He is understood to only want to go to a club where he will be guaranteed a certain number of minutes and who can offer him the most football may well decide his ultimate destination.
A lack of regular football is the primary reason he has pushed to leave Bayern during this January window before the deadline, with the Bavarian giants now discussing what to do next.
The 19-year-old was already on the radar of Arsenal, with plans to bring in a new forward and the player fits all their criteria, especially regarding his potential to flourish with a consistent role. Tel is two-footed and can play across the forward line, while being able to move the ball with pace and is also considered to be a good finisher.
Mikel Arteta's general preference has been for young signings who he can help to develop.
The news that the French under-21 international has become available surprised Arsenal due to his obvious talent.
It has naturally caused the club to look at a potential deal, and what could be done to convince Bayern to sell.
The German club would nevertheless want to keep a player of such talent, and seek to do some kind of deal where he can get the football he wants but retain the option to bring him back in the future.
Tel himself is also known to be very open to Arsenal, both due to the status of the club right now, but also the possibility for football due to the thinness of Arteta's attacking options. The latter is not the case currently with Chelsea, who are also interested in Tel, due to the abundance of players they have in the forward positions.
Arsenal are still pursuing a deal for Rosenborg's Sverre Halseth Nypan, although they face increased competition from the likes of Aston Villa.
The Birmingham club believe they can offer a persuasive package, and potentially offer more regular and immediate first-team football.
