Crystal Palace and West Ham are going head to head for Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin.
The Gunners are prepared to sell in January and would want around £10million for a player who still has three and a half years left on his contract.
Arsene Wenger left Coquelin out of Arsenal’s squad at Nottingham Forest on Sunday because a transfer could happen this month.
Coquelin, 26, has lost his place as a regular starter at Arsenal, wants more game time and a move would allow him to get his career back on track.
West Ham are keen to bring in a new midfielder but so far have not been able to do deals for Stoke’s Joe Allen or Newcastle’s Jonjo Shelvey.
Hammers boss David Moyes wants a midfielder to beef up his squad and Coquelin does fit the bill. West Ham are also interested in Anderlecht midfielder Leander Dendoncker.
Palace are also looking for a midfield anchorman and are interested in Coquelin with Arsenal's decision to pull him out of the FA Cup a clear indicator that a buying club would not want him cup tied.
There has also been interest in Coquelin from France but West Ham appear to be leading the chase.