Arsenal face a fight to land top target Eden Hazard after rivals Chelsea and Inter Milan entered the race to secure the Lille wingers signature.
The 20-year-old is considered one of the hottest prospects in Europe and has been a long-term target for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger who has tried to bring him to the Emirates Stadium on a number of occasions.
However with interest coming from their London neighbours Chelsea and Serie A giants Inter the French club are trying to start an auction but aren’t willing to let the Belgian leave for less than £40 million.
Academy Director at the Stade Lille-Metropole Jean-Michel Vandamme revealed the player is destined to leave the club but not until next summer.
Vandamme said: “Eden is certainly willing to stay at Lille at least until next summer,’
“Chelsea has been following him the closest. The Spaniards have not manifested themselves yet, but I think they are playing it smart and will call when they know they have to – I’m talking about Real Madrid, but also about Barcelona.
“The buyer will have to come up with a lot of money – let us say he is not currently to go for less than £40m.
Should Hazard move on next year the Premier League looks a likely destination with minor interest from Liverpool and Manchester City adding to that of Arsenal and Chelsea.