Max Meyer - Arsenal's top summer transfer target

Arsenal have identified a long-term replacement for the likely departing Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla. The Gunners are to make a transfer move for Schalke 04 midfield star Max Meyer in the summer transfer window.

According to German publication Bild, Arsenal very nearly wrapped up a £17.5 million deal for Meyer during the January transfer window but a deal fell through due to insufficient time to agree personal terms between club and player. However, it is now understood that Arsenal are to make a second move for Meyer and plan to make the German international the long-term replacement for Arsenal's departing midfield duo of Santi Cazorla and Wilshere.

Meyer's contract at Schalke 04 will expire this summer and a host of top European clubs have been linked with a Bosman move for the German international. Former Schalke and current Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac has recommended a move to the Gunners to Meyer and it is understood that talks are already well under way.

Schalke confirmed that Meyer would be leaving on a free transfer this week.

"At the moment we can and must expect that Max leaves the club in the summer," Schalke director Christian Heidel said on Thursday. "Everything suggests that.

"There is no offer from us and no wish from Max to have a conversation again."

Arsenal are ready to offer the midfielder a reported £125,000 a week contract to move to North London.