Chelsea and Man City among several Premier League clubs interested in German midfielder

Manchester City’s defence of their Premier League title was dealt a huge blow on Sunday as they were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal at The Emirates. 

Last season the Gunners topped the table for several months before eventually being leapfrogged by City, but Pep Guardiola’s side currently sit third in the table after defeat on Sunday.

In a game lacking in clear-cut chances, substitute Gabriel Martinelli eventually broke the deadlock when his effort was diverted into his own net by City defender Nathan Ake in the closing stages.

The result moves Arsenal level on points with rivals Tottenham Hotspur, whilst City sit two points behind going into the international break.

In the meantime, City are reportedly one of a number of Premier League sides interested in a German midfielder.

As reported by 90min, both City and Chelsea are interested in Schalke midfielder Assan Ouedraogo.

Pochettino could look to bolster his squad during the upcoming January transfer window

The 17-year-old made his senior debut for the German club on the opening day of the current campaign, scoring in a 5-3 defeat against Hamburg in the 2. Bundesliga – the second tier of German football.

Ouedraogo has since played in every one of Schalke’s league games this season, and the report claims that his impressive performances have piqued the interest of several clubs across Europe.

As well as Chelsea and City, fellow Premier League sides Brentford, Brighton and Hove Albion, Newcastle United and West Ham United are also said to have shown interest in the teenager.

Schalke have already agreed a three-year-deal with the central midfielder, which will be signed when he turns 18 next summer.

Several other clubs from across Europe are also said to be interested in the youngster, including French sides Lens, Marseille and Nice, German outfit Bayer Leverkusen, and Spanish giants Valencia.