Arsenal, Liverpool join the race to sign Lyon marksman

Liverpool and Arsenal have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race to sign French forward Moussa Dembele from Lyon.

The 22-year-old only joined the Ligue 1 side from Celtic last summer but he has made a good impression with 20 goals in 45 games for Les Gones.

In recent weeks, United have been touted to make a formal approach for the ex-Fulham man, but it appears that they may have additional competition to cope with.

According to L'Equipe, both Arsenal and Liverpool have made contact with officials at Les Gones and there could potentially be a three-horse race to prise away the striker from the Groupama Stadium.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal have sufficient options to lead the line but they are supposedly eyeing back-up to the starting lineup with Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck leaving their respective clubs this summer.

In United's case, Dembele could be handed with a straight role in the starting XI next season but that is largely dependent on whether Romelu Lukaku leaves Old Trafford.