Arsenal are reported to have upped the ante in their bid to sign Mexican winger Hirving Lozano from PSV, while frontrunners Napoli have been put off by the Dutch side's lofty asking price.
The Mexican winger, nicknamed 'Chucky', has followed up an impressive World Cup with a prolific goalscoring season, registering 15 goals and nine assists in 27 appearances so far, helping his side to a remarkable 16 wins from their opening 17 Eredivisie games.
With his form, however, inevitably comes interest in his signature, and Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web report on Friday that Arsenal have 'increased interest' in the 23-year-old's signature in recent weeks, perhaps having sensed Napoli's reluctance to move decisively.
The claim is that Napoli remain as frontrunners to secure his signing, with the club in touch with super-agent Mino Raiola over a deal, but their refusal to meet the Eredivisie leaders'
Chelsea and Barcelona are also supposedly in the frame, but it seems for now as if Arsenal and Napoli are the main contenders for now.
"I like it very much. I think the Premier League is great. I think that it would be fabulous to play with any of the clubs, but I would love to play for one of the big clubs. I hope that God gives me the chance."
Hirving Lozano (23) in 2018:
— Scouted Football (@ScoutedFtbl) January 15, 2019
• 2017-18 Eredivisie title
• 2017-18 Eredivisie Team of the Year
• Part of Mexico’s World Cup squad
• 2018 Concacaf Bext XI
• 2018 Concacaf Player of the Year
The King of Concacaf 👑 pic.twitter.com/3hbtkeo8Gs
Arsenal interest in highly unlikely to come to anything this January, with Unai Emery admitting the Gunners are only in a position to do loan deals. However, a switch for Barcelona's Denis Suarez could be close.
Source : 90min