Arsenal join AC Milan in the hunt for Nice’s 20-year-old gem

Arsenal are thought to be interested in signing France youth international Vincent Koziello, according to Calciomercato.

The Premier League giants, who defeated newly-promoted AFC Bournemouth 2-0 at Dean Court on Sunday to move up to third spot in the standings, are set to go head-to-head with Serie A giants AC Milan in a bid to recruit the Nice midfielder this summer.

The 20-year-old, who is a France Under-20 international, has scored three and assisted three goals in 25 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit this season.

Koziello; who is currently enjoying his breakthrough campaign with Nice who sit third in the French top-flight, is only 5ft 5in, but he has already been compared to FC Barcelona legend Xavi.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger could be interested in a deal for the young Frenchman as fellow central midfielder Mathieu Flamini is out of contract this summer, meanwhile Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky could retire at the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season.