Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Celtic striker Moussa Dembele in action with the Gunners considering a January move, according to The Independent.
The 20-year-old only moved to Brendan Rodgers’s side in the summer but has reportedly already attracted attention from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich after a string of impressive performances.
The youngster hit a hat-trick in Celtic’s 5-1 demolition of rivals Rangers back in September and is the club’s top scorer with 12 goals in 16 appearances in all competitions.
Dembele hit the headlines again in midweek, scoring the opener as the Hoops held Manchester City to a thrilling 3-3 draw at Celtic Park in the Champions League.
Arsenal reportedly considered a move for Dembele in the summer and could renew their interest in January although they face competition from Real Madrid and Bayern.
Rodgers meanwhile is keen to keep hold of the youngster and has urged him to remain with the Scottish champions.
“We’re fortunate to have him,” Rodgers said. “He was coveted by a number of teams but his agent is a clever guy.
“Does he go to a so-called better league and sit on the bench and not get so many games?
“Or does he come to a big club with an opportunity to develop and invest some time into his development, and then step up if that’s what he wants to do?”
Dembele is certainly living up to his billing and with Real Madrid still under a transfer embargo and with Bayern unlikely to be able to offer much first-team action, Arsenal could be in pole position to sign the youngster.