Dede Ayew to replace Samir Nasri at Arsenal?

Arsenal are interested in Marseille midfielder Andre Ayew as a potential replacement for Samir Nasri according to sources in France and are running the rule over the starlet.

Nasri is expected to complete a move to Manchester City soon and the Gunners have vowed to reinvest every penny from the midfielder’s sale, as well as money raised from Cesc Fabregas’ move to Barcelona, in new signings.

And Ghana international Ayew could fit the bill for Arsene Wenger, with the Arsenal manager a confirmed admirer of the 21-year-old.

Signing Ayew would be a difficult operation for the Gunners to complete however.

The midfielder is considered a key player by Marseille coach Didier Deschamps and the Ligue 1 club saw off nascent interest from Manchester United last summer.

One of the sons of former African Football of the Year Abedi Pele, Ayew is rated as one of the most promising midfield prospects in world football.

Ayew took further strides forward last season, helping Marseille to navigate a path through to the Round of 16 in the Champions League, qualifying from a group containing Chelsea, Spartak Moscow and Zilina, before falling to Manchester United.

Deschamps would once again seek to fight off interest in Ayew, but the chance to head to the Emirates and work under Wenger could well be an opportunity too good for the Ghana international to turn down.

Wenger is working hard to ensure a raft of new signings end up at the club before the completion of the transfer window, with many names under consideration. In a fluid market the Gunners’ boss is also eyeing a triple swoop to appease restless supporters.